Do you believe that the fast track court will improve the conviction rate?
The Attorney General’s Ministry has announced it is setting up a fast track court to expedite criminal cases. Crime statistics are alarming and it is independently confirmed that the conviction rate is poorer than poor, according to research released this week. Tonight we ask the question: Do you believe that the fast track court will improve the conviction rate? Share your views by sending an email to questions@channel5belize.com or a text, using SMART phones only, to 8686. You can also log on to our website at www.channel5belize.com and vote on our e-poll.
Absolutely, positively, maybe!
I am still waiting to hear how we will address the issue of witness intimidation. The possibility of using videotaped testimony & depositions in trial when necessary & prosecuting everyone involved in witness, evidence & juror tampering.
I believe so! it might help a little or maybe not, but what the heck if this will be another iniative to combat crime, then why not take it. At this point in time the crime rate is out of hand, all options to reduce it should be explored. We need to be tougher and stand firm. At first I was against curfews but we need everything right now, curfews, better relationships between the Police Department and the Judiciary, operation Jaguar to come back on the attack stronger than ever, better trained police officers, the new Minister of Security keep trying to do his best (hey, you’re doing far better than Perdomo was, keep it up!), the possible removal of the Compol (giving a fresh new perspective and guidance for the Police Dep’t, hopefully the new person will be tougher) – reshuffling of the Police Department, researches as to find out what conflicts are present and try to come to an agreed solution by the majority to tackle it….However, my only concern about this “fast track” is the possibility of heavy witness intimidation, like BZinCali stated, many are afraid, we all know for a fact that the gangs know that they have power and will use it against anyone they please and that the Police Department has its loopholes and even they, the officers, can try and intimidate witnesses. Witness protection is a must, people know what’s going on but they do not feel safe speaking out! But again I reiterate, the fast track court may work and again it may not, we can only speculate and try and predict but we won’t know for certain until we have tried; but we need to try all options in seeking to get this crime situation under control. Belize is way too small to have all of these crimes happening and with such little convictions!
Sincerely, Belizean Creole Gyal