THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE KRAAL case must make us the public and public representatives wake up to the realities of today's Jamaica and the questionable faith we can retain in our country's future. For indeed the Kraal case raises more questions than satisfactory answers.
Some of which questions fill my mind. And so I ask them:
* Why was the case so poorly presented and prosecuted?
* What is the Chief Justice's position now on the jury system?
* Why were the witnesses allowed to so disdain the justice system?
* How does the verdict affect the future of the police who were involved in the case, both those who perpetrated the act and those whom we rely on to make a solid case on behalf of the public?
* How do we explain away the cry of police brutality by the public?
* How do we now convince witnesses to come forward and give evidence, when faced with the result of this case?
* How do we, when we visit the grief of the motherless child, explain to her that the system is just?
* How does this affect the career of the officers - local and overseas, who all but gave us the impression that due diligence was given in this matter and the investigation was thorough?
WOEFULLY INEFFICIENT
In the final analysis, the one conclusion I can draw and offer is that the DPP's office is woefully inefficient and needs to be immediately investigated, as to its needs for well-qualified and well-trained legal representatives; as it is clear that it is lacking in the ability to match a defence system that has access to unlimited resources, usually made available by the high fees it can obtain and in this situation possibly all coming from the state. And must not the DPP's office come clear with the public on this matter and its real needs, so that we can place them in a position to defend our rights vigorously?
This is one situation where the scales of justice appear to be unevenly balanced; a situation the system must in unison correct.
I am, etc.,
MIKE HENRY, CD, MP
Central Clarendon
