THE JAMAICA Labour Party has expressed grave concerns with the reported $19 million approved by Cabinet for the defence of six policemen.
While acknowledging that it is common practice for government to assist in the payment of legal fees for policemen charged for offences committed during the course of their duties, JLP Spokesman on Justice, Delroy Chuck yesterday questioned the precedence for the 'exorbitant' fees approved and payable by the State.
ATTORNEYS OWED
It is grossly inconsistent, argued Mr. Chuck in a press statement, that Govern-ment is unable to satisfy and pay hundreds of attorneys who have completed legal aid assignments and are owed for 18 months and more, yet it is able to find enough money to pay the legal fees for the high profile defendants in the Kraal Trial.
He noted that Government allocated only $45 million in this year's budget to pay outstanding legal aid indebtedness due for 12 months and more, which does not satisfy its full obligation and is presently unable to pay for legal aid assignments done this year.
Mr. Chuck further noted that whereas attorneys doing legal aid assignments are paid between $30,000.00 and $60,000.00 for murder cases, if the reports are true, one defendant will have his legal fees of $9 million paid by the State.
