Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

Public Defender Earl Witter has expressed support for the proposal that dons be allowed to articulate their views in Gordon House on six anti-crime bills which are being studied by a joint select committee of parliament.

According to Witter, a wide cross section of views should be entertained by the joint select committee, as long as they are constructive and worthy of consideration, "no matter the quarter from which they come".

Pearnel Charles, minister of labour and social security, last Tuesday suggested that dons be allowed to address the committee deliberating the anti-crime bills. National Security Minister Trevor MacMillan on Wednesday backed Charles' arguments, noting that "they (dons) have rights to certain things".

"If by dons we mean community leaders and influential political operatives, then by all means, hear them," Witter told The Gleaner yesterday.

no objection

He added: "I can see no objection in principle to examining any proposal from criminals, so called, as to how to tackle the crime problem, because after all, it is the criminals who are responsible for the crime problem."

According to Witter, the crime problem is endemic and it is, therefore, important to develop a national consensus within the rule of law.

"If we have such a consensus, the more likely it will be that all concerned will commit themselves to lawful dealings and that will reduce crime, particularly serious crimes," Witter told The Gleaner.

The public defender said all views should contend, adding that Parliament should be better able to legislate when it considers, in an objective way, all useful views.

Witter, however, cautioned that his ideas were not recommendations, noting that the final decision would be a matter for the joint select committee.

petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com