THE EDITOR, Sir:
THIS IS in response to the Jamaican Bar Association's expressing 'profound concern' about the decision taken by Dr. Peter Phillips, Minister of National Security, that all defence counsel visiting lock-ups or prisons should be subjected to search. As a lawyer and a member of the Diaspora team which recently visited Jamaica, I must state that in the UK when I and other legal professionals visit Belmarsh Prison , Pentoville Prison or even Detention centres in order to take instructions from one's client, it is always a normal practice to be physically searched by the Prison Authorities and it is quite acceptable by both Counsel and Solicitors.
Even though the Minister claims, "that this change in policy is necessary, because the presumed trust and integrity once reposed in lawyers can no longer be relied upon" this is actually neither here nor there even though he has a valid point. It is surprising to hear that lawyers normally enter the prison facilities without being searched. The Minister should be allowed with support from all sides of the legal fraternity to clean up the level of corruption in the system which may and I repeat may be contributed to by those in this once and should be and still a Honourable Profession. It is not true that one's dignity will be tarnished.
It is understandable that one's pride may be more shattered and hey pride comes before a fall. In the UK this is not seen as an encroachment on one's dignity, it is actually looked upon as simple Due Process, the law taking its course.
Finally, I would however charge the Ministry in ensuring that adequate interviewing facilities are present at several correctional facilities including the General Penitentiary (Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre) at Tower Street, as it is claimed that lawyers have no place to interview clients. Minister Phillips, please keep up the good work. The Diaspora is watching.
I am, etc.,
SYLBOURNE SYDIAL
gensecpnpuk@yahoo.co.uk
General Secretary - PNP-UK
London, England
Via Go-Jamaica
