{"id":141993,"date":"2021-11-23T08:48:12","date_gmt":"2021-11-23T12:48:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=141993"},"modified":"2021-11-23T09:07:46","modified_gmt":"2021-11-23T13:07:46","slug":"commentary-prevention-of-corruption-law-of-draconians","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/commentary-prevention-of-corruption-law-of-draconians\/","title":{"rendered":"COMMENTARY: Prevention Of Corruption: Law Of Draconians"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Rawlston Pompey<\/strong><\/p>

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Even as the Holy Scripture urges, it has been human proclivity to delight himself in \u2018Vain Glory.<\/strong>\u2019 It warns mankind; \u2018\u2026Let us not be desirous of provoking one another or envying one another\u2019 [KJV: Galatians 5: 26].<\/strong> Even so, man continues to be a thorn in the flesh and pain in the heart of his fellow-men. Man is most feared when he displays a propensity to bring peril and pain by inflicting harm upon the innocent and not so innocent. He is acrimonious as he is revengeful, and vindictive as he is hateful and spiteful. Situationally, these have been among man\u2019s natural, but vexing tendencies. Considering such propensity, those that administrate and dispense justice, shall embrace the maxim that states; \u2018\u2026It is better that \u201810 Guilty persons\u2019<\/strong> to escape, than that one innocent suffer\u2019 <\/strong>[British Jurist William Blackstone: 1760].<\/p>\n

PERSPECTIVE<\/strong><\/p>

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This commentary looks at the criminal offence, statutorily classified as an indictable offence. The offence-Corruption\u2019<\/strong> is as serious as the penalties suggest. It was triable by \u2018Judge and Jury.\u2019 <\/strong>By an Act of Parliament and seemingly for reasons of prosecutorial expediency and \u2018Case Selectivity,\u2019<\/strong> as contained in the Act, it is now triable by a \u2018Single Judge\u2019 [No. 8 of 2021]. <\/strong>It is not necessarily the \u2018Mode of Trial\u2019 <\/strong>and\/or the \u2018Presiding Judge\u2019 <\/strong>that may give accused persons \u2018Dreams to Remember,\u2019 <\/strong>[Otis Redding], but the penalties stipulated in the \u2018Prevention of Corruption Act\u2019 [No.21 of 2004], <\/strong>if found guilty of the offence of \u2018Corruption.\u2019 <\/strong><\/p>

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LEGISLATIVE CRASSNESS<\/strong><\/p>\n

The obvious draconian nature of the penalties, suggests \u2018Legislative Crassness\u2019<\/strong> on the part of the several Legislators. In the \u2018Wilds of Africa,\u2019<\/strong> this may have been considered \u2018Law of the Jungle.\u2019<\/strong> The Legislators that overwhelmingly voted \u2018Aye,\u2019<\/strong> in ensuring its passage, shall now need to \u2018Kneel in Prayer.\u2019 <\/strong>The penalty Section states: \u2018\u2026A person who commits an offence under \u2018Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6\u2019 is liable upon conviction on indictment to a fine not exceeding \u2018$100, 000\u2019 and a term of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years.\u2019<\/strong><\/p>

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FORFEITURE OF GRATUITY AND PENSION<\/strong><\/p>\n

Seemingly not satisfied with the harshness of such penalties, \u2018Legislators\u2019 <\/strong>ensured that the additional inserted punishments were not removed from the \u2018Bill\u2019 at the \u2018Committee Stage.\u2019<\/strong> Thus, among other judicial considerations are: (i)<\/strong> \u2018\u2026A Court directed amount or value of the property to be paid to the \u2018Public Body:\u2019 (ii) \u2026Forfeiture of legitimate entitlements of Gratuity and Pension:<\/strong> (iii)<\/strong> \u2026Declaration and forfeiture of legitimate entitlements under any Pension Scheme: and the most outrageous (iv)<\/strong> \u2026Imposition of a \u20187-year disqualification upon the convicted from holding \u2018Public office\u2019<\/strong> [Section 8].<\/p>

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ACT OF ENSNAREMENT<\/strong><\/p>

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The Act, rightly or wrongly, can easily be described as \u2018an Act of Ensnarement.\u2019 <\/strong>This is particularly so, if those that gave the \u2018Act\u2019 legislative teeth became ensnared and are judicially called upon to disentangle themselves. Seemingly very carefully conceived, it criminalizes certain courses of conduct. Such is capable of being deemed in a prosecution as \u2018Corruptible Behavior.<\/strong>\u2019 Then it stipulates corresponding penalties that, if convicted, could make a blue sky turn wintery gray. It was no happenstance that the \u2018Quote\u2019<\/strong> referred hereunder was merely found. It was deliberately sought. It reads: \u2018\u2026Corruption is an enemy of development, and of good governance: \u2026It must be got rid of: \u2026Both the Government and the people at-large must come together to achieve this national objective\u2019<\/strong> [Pratibha Patil: Brainy Quotes].<\/p>\n

MALA PROHIBITA<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now, when one speaks to \u2018Public Corruption,\u2019<\/strong> one is speaking to conduct of a \u2018Public officer.\u2019 Such conduct may be one of depravity. This means that the officer will have been engaging, or had engaged in practices that are morally wrong or legally prohibited. Those familiar with \u2018Law Enforcement\u2019 shall know that there is a very thin line between \u2018an Illegal Practice\u2019<\/strong> and a \u2018Corrupt Practice.\u2019<\/strong> In the case of the former, in law this is referred to as \u2018Mala Prohibita\u2019 (Latin).<\/strong> Simply put, it means that the practice is prohibited by law.<\/p>\n

MALA IN SE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Conversely, the latter is referred to as \u2018Ma La in Se.\u2019<\/strong> For clarity of understanding, it means acts that are morally wrong. For a crime, it is punishable by law. This is said to be inimical to the collective interest of members of the wider society. As it affects \u2018Government,\u2019 <\/strong>it is said to be inconsistent with the principles of \u2018Good Governance.\u2019<\/strong> Consequently, those acting contrary to established rules of procedure, particularly those that speaks to: (a) \u2018\u2026Transparency: (b) \u2026Accountability: and (c) \u2026Integrity in Public Life.\u2019<\/strong> In the case of \u2018Corrupt Practice,\u2019 this often reveals itself by \u2018Abuses of Positional Privilege,\u2019 <\/strong>particularly when none so exists. In criminal proceedings, a \u2018Crown Prosecutor\u2019 needs only to prove evidentially, the essential element of the crime. The main being \u2018Intent\u2019<\/strong> to benefit to him\/herself or a third party.\u2019<\/p>\n

CONSTITUTIONAL LIBERTY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Though some in society might easily be deceived into believing that governance is good when corrupt \u2018Public officials\u2019 have been \u2018Blessings in Disguise,\u2019 society\u2019s wise have always loathe those seen as scallywag. For this reason, it has been universally accepted that \u2018Corruption\u2019<\/strong> has plagued, and continues to plague constitutionally-elected Governments at every level within their administration. Interestingly, long before this has been made studies, English historian, writer and former Member of the British Parliament, \u2018Sir Edward Gibbon,\u2019<\/strong> was quoted as saying that; \u2018\u2026Corruption is the most infallible symptom of constitutional liberty\u2019 [1731-1794]. <\/strong>Today, some people may wonder why the words \u2018Constitutional Liberty,\u2019 <\/strong>were used in describing the liberty the elected have been administratively allowed.<\/p>\n

PRIVILEGE POSITIONS<\/strong><\/p>\n

It has been public knowledge that in many \u2018OECS\u2019<\/strong> jurisdictions, \u2018Corruption\u2019<\/strong> has been imputed to several \u2018Public Officials.\u2019 <\/strong>Clearly, it stands to reason that in constitutional democracies, those that have vied for, and elected to \u2018Public Office\u2019<\/strong> are always better positioned to exploit \u2018Privileged Positions.\u2019<\/strong> History has revealed that many individuals in \u2018Policy-making Positions,\u2019<\/strong> are able to place themselves in positions to gain \u2018Pecuniary Advantage.\u2019<\/strong> This often comes with a price. Professional training suggested that they are not immune to exploitation by investors and\/or people with \u2018Mega Wealth.\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

CORRUPTION IN GOVERNMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n

In governance, the situation is different. Some ruled with a dominance that suggests that they are \u2018Monarchs of All They Survey.\u2019<\/strong> They consider themselves, \u2018Lords of the fowls and the brute\u2019<\/strong> [William Cowper:1781-1800]. The docile under such survey, becomes weak, helpless and powerless. They are non-resistant. Many are crippled by timidity and silenced into submission. Opportunistically, the dominant was known to have engaged in questionable activities. They were sometimes accused of amassing wealth that are often starved for legitimacy. Thus, with unfettered \u2018ACCESS\u2019<\/strong> to \u2018State Resources\u2019 <\/strong>or public assets, greed and corruption were seen to have become institutionalized. From professional training and knowledge, some \u2018Public officials\u2019<\/strong> were known to have been fingered, inter alia in; (a) \u2018\u2026Wheeling and dealing; or (b) \u2026Scheming and defrauding Public Bodies.\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

DANGER TO SOCIETY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Frequently, the very Judiciary along with some unscrupulous practicing attorneys, were often seen as facilitating \u2018Poor Governance.\u2019<\/strong> Then descending upon dissenting citizens was tyranny. This was known to have festered animosity and provoke public indignation. In law enforcement, particularly those that conduct criminal investigations, they know that \u2018Corruption in Government\u2019<\/strong> is a greater \u2018Danger to Society\u2019<\/strong> than other \u2018White-Collar Crimes.\u2019<\/strong> Invariably, nepotism and cronyism were seen to have shortened the reach of the \u2018Long Arm of Law.\u2019 <\/strong>Thus, as criminal investigators endeavor to enhance the capacity of the \u2018Criminal Justice System,\u2019<\/strong> seeking in futility to encourage \u2018Judicial Deterrence.\u2019 <\/strong><\/p>\n

COURSES OF CONDUCT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Speaking to the crime of \u2018Corruption,\u2019<\/strong> the \u2018Prevention of Corruption Act\u2019 sets out some eight (8) \u2018Courses of Conduct.\u2019<\/strong> Looked at closely from the rather unsettling and unnerving \u2018Juryless Trial,\u2019 <\/strong>it states; \u2018\u2026A person commits an offence if he; (i)<\/strong> \u2018\u2026Improperly uses for his benefit: or (ii)<\/strong> \u2026For that of a third party, any property belonging to a \u2018Public Body\u2019<\/strong> to which he\/she has access as a result of; or in the course of the performance of his functions as a \u2018Public official\u2019 [Section 3 (i) (h): <\/strong>PCA: No.21 of 2004]. It is important to note that this Section made no reference \u2018Public officer.\u2019<\/strong> It shall also to be observed that it speaks strictly to a \u2018Body\u2019<\/strong> and \u2018an official\u2019 <\/strong>as contained in the \u2018Interpretation Clause\u2019<\/strong> [Section 2].<\/p>\n

PERVASIVE AND ENTRENCHED<\/strong><\/p>\n

For \u2018Corruption in Government,\u2019<\/strong> does the exact opposite. Consequently, the opportunists are often led to believe that unethical conduct is officially sanctioned, and becomes \u2018Pervasive and Entrenched\u2019<\/strong> in governmental \u2018Ministries, Departments, Agencies and other Public Bodies.\u2019 This has been a universal phenomenon. Just over a decade and a half ago, the \u2018Winston Baldwin Spencer-led political organization,<\/strong> called the \u2018United Progressive Party\u2019<\/strong> with selected candidates, vigorously sought through the electoral process to remove the incumbent \u2018Sir Lester Bryant Bird-led administration.\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

AMENABLE TO LAW<\/strong><\/p>\n

Among the administration\u2019s approach, were clarion calls and declarations that \u2018reasonably suspected members\u2019 of the previous administration\u2019 will be made \u2018Amenable to Law.\u2019<\/strong> Members of that organization had expressed a public resolve to bring to criminal justice, unscrupulous public officials, who had been accused, factually or perceptively of religiously and mercilessly pilfered or swindled substantial funds through assigned Ministries, either collaboratively or collusively, but fraudulently obtained from the \u2018Public Treasury.\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

GALLERY TALKS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rightly or wrongly, several portfolio Ministers were said to have acquired questionable wealth that begged for legitimacy. Those harping and drumming for prosecutorial action had sowed \u2018Seeds of Belief,\u2019<\/strong> not only in the minds of the electorate, but also in the citizenry as a whole. There were utterances of every kind. These were supported by repetitive rhetoric of one kind or another. These were bolstered by \u2018Gallery Talks\u2019 [James \u2018Tanny\u2019 Rose]<\/strong> of that which was perceptively dangling to descend upon those accused of \u2018Corrupt Behavior.\u2019<\/strong> Many people were influenced and led to believe that identifiable then serving Ministers, had enriched themselves at public expense.<\/p>\n

MOCKERY AND REALITY<\/strong><\/p>\n

There were even more \u2018Public Gallery Talks,\u2019<\/strong> when \u2018former Prime Minster Baldwin Spencer\u2019 gave assurances that; \u2018Justice is slow: \u2026But justice is sure.\u2019 <\/strong>Reinforcing the people\u2019s belief, were circus-like criminal trials that speaks more to political \u2018Mockery.\u2019 <\/strong>In hindsight, some former members of that administration\u2019 shall now be able to distinguish between \u2018Mockery\u2019 <\/strong>from \u2018Trial in Reality.\u2019 <\/strong>Some may also recall the passionate plea of a \u2018Political Prophet.\u2019 <\/strong>Such came from then \u2018former Junior Cabinet Minister, Chanlah Codrington.\u2019 <\/strong>Seemingly, \u2018Smelling the Rat\u2019(idiom), <\/strong>he implored his colleagues and cautioned; \u2018\u2026Leh we lock dem up, because if dey win again, dey go lock we up.\u2019 <\/strong>Prior to the then pending national elections [March 23, 2004], the very first of such trials was held at the historic \u2018Bethesda Tamarind Tree Square.\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

JUDGE ALONE TRIAL<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thus, on a bright sunny Sunday afternoon, scores of supporters converged upon the Square. This was presided over by \u2018Mocking Judge, His Lordship, Justice Sherfield Bowen.\u2019<\/strong> In fact, this was the first \u2018Judge Alone Trial,\u2019<\/strong> albeit \u2018Mockery,\u2019<\/strong> that was ever held in this jurisdiction. Incidentally, the assigned \u2018Crown Prosecutor Leon \u2018Chaku\u2019 Symister,<\/strong> was at his prosecutorial best. The former \u2018Cabinet Ministers\u2019 that were placed on trial for \u2018Misbehavior in Public Office,\u2019<\/strong> were all found guilty as charged.\u2019<\/p>\n

SQUEAKY CLEAN<\/strong><\/p>\n

Either endeavoring to show that electees and portfolio-appointed \u2018Cabinet Ministers\u2019 were \u2018Squeaky Clean\u2019<\/strong> or to practice what was preached, the \u2018Baldwin Spencer-led administration\u2019<\/strong> quickly gave parliamentary considerations to what it called the \u2018Trilogy of Legislation.\u2019 <\/strong>These include; (i) \u2018\u2026Freedom of Information Act [No. 19 of 2004: (ii) \u2026Integrity in Public Life Act: and (iii) \u2026Prevention of Corruption Act\u2019 [No. 21 of 2004]. <\/strong>Though they may have been considered \u2018Squeaky Clean,\u2019<\/strong> they required a Baseball caution; \u2018\u2026One strike and out\u2019 [PM Spencer]. <\/strong>The legislative initiatives were enforceable only by the sitting administration. Junior Minister, \u2018Chanlah Codrington,\u2019<\/strong> a student of law, appeared very conversant with these \u2018Legal Terms.\u2019<\/strong> Likened to several other colleagues, he sought to avoid any form of entanglement. His public life tenure appeared to have ended \u2018Squeaky Clean.\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

GOOD GOVERNANCE<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Cabinet was comprised of mostly intellectuals and revered professionals. They were in the persona of; (i) \u2018\u2026Attorney General Justin L. Simon QC:<\/strong> (ii)<\/strong> \u2026Finance Minister\/Attorney General, Dr. Errol Cort: (iii) \u2026Tourism\/Finance Minister Harold Lovell:<\/strong> (iv)<\/strong> \u2026Agriculture Minister Charlesworth Samuel: (v)<\/strong> \u2026Justice Minister Colin Derrick: (vi)<\/strong> \u2026Lenworth Johnson; and Joanne Massiah.\u2019 These were all practicing attorneys. They knew that from the subscribed \u2018Oath of Office,\u2019<\/strong> individually and collectively, they had to conform to the principles of \u2018Good Governance.\u2019 <\/strong>These include: (a) \u2018\u2026Transparency: \u2026Accountability: and (iii) \u2026Integrity.\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

TRILOGY OF LEGISLATION<\/strong><\/p>\n

Moreover, the mischief aimed by Parliament in the \u2018Trilogy of Legislation,\u2019 <\/strong>was compelling. It was specifically one intended to prevent corrupt behavioral practices by serving members of Cabinet: Commissions and Board members, as well as persons employed by \u2018Public Bodies.\u2019 They were persons, well-educated and of high intellect and living far away from squalid conditions, destitution and the \u2018Edge of Poverty.\u2019<\/strong> Two of the three pieces of legislation were also intended to pursue former \u2018Cabinet Ministers,\u2019<\/strong> particularly those fingered or reasonable suspected of \u2018Corrupt Behavior.\u2019<\/strong> To all intents and purposes, when the electorate overwhelmingly decided upon a change of governance, trouble began for \u2018three former incumbent Ministers.\u2019<\/p>\n

BARK AND BITE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Though he had been referred to as the \u2018Top Dog\u2019<\/strong> among his colleagues and constituency members, the sitting \u2018Gaston Browne-led administration\u2019<\/strong> carefully avoided use of the word \u2018Hounding\u2019 <\/strong>[PM Spencer]. Such \u2018Dog,\u2019 is not only barkingly vicious, but also surreptitiously \u2018Bites.\u2019<\/strong> However, with clear intentions that speaks to a \u2018resolve, decisiveness and pragmaticism,\u2019 the professional services of \u2018Auditors\u2019 were reportedly engaged by the Cabinet. The Auditors were to ascertain what may have transpired with certain administrative arrangements concerning \u2018Public Bodies Finances\u2019<\/strong> and other tangibles, as they affect questionable disposal of \u2018Government Property.\u2019<\/strong> Eventually, this saw the operational effectiveness of the \u2018Prevention of Corruption Act\u2019 <\/strong>[No.21 of 2004].<\/p>\n

PUBLIC OFFICE: PUBLIC TRUST<\/strong><\/p>\n

A carefully and purposefully crafted and drafted piece of legislation has everything in it to make those elected to \u2018Public Office\u2019 shall always remind themselves that \u2018\u2026Public office is public trust.<\/strong>\u2019 Researching for this commentary, the historic Case; \u2018Rex v Whitaker: 1914: [3 King\u2019s Bench: C.C.A: per cur: at pp 1296 & 1297], provides a legal lesson. It states: \u2018\u2026To the words \u2018Public officer\u2019 different meanings can be given according to the statute which they occur.\u2019 <\/strong>Instructively, the \u2018Prevention of Corruption Act\u2019 <\/strong>made no such reference to \u2018Public Officer.\u2019 It is certainly not about \u2018Gainful Employment.\u2019 <\/strong>The Act specifically speaks to: (i) \u2026Membership: (ii) \u2026Holding office: or (iii) \u2026Being employed with a Public Body.\u2019<\/strong> Therefore, given the mischief aimed by Parliament,\u2019 no defence attorney shall be confused with \u2018Public officer\u2019 <\/strong>and \u2018Public official.\u2019 \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

INTERPRETATION: BODY: OFFICE: OFFICIAL<\/strong><\/p>\n

In fact, the Legal Drafters inserted three significant interpretative clauses. For instance, (i) \u2018\u2026Public Body.\u2019 <\/strong>This is interpreted as meaning any of the following; (a)<\/strong> \u2018\u2026The Government or Barbuda Council: (b)<\/strong> \u2026A Ministry or Department of the Government: (c)<\/strong> \u2026The House of Representatives or the Senate: (d)<\/strong> \u2026A Corporation established by an Act of Parliament for public purposes or any subsidiary\u00a0 company thereof registered\u00a0 under the Company Act, 1995: and (e)<\/strong> \u2026A Board: Commission: Authority: or other body, whether paid or unpaid, and whether or not established by, or under any law to perform public functions on behalf of the Government: (ii) Public office.<\/strong> This was interpreted as; \u2018\u2026An office in a Public Body: and (iii) \u2026Public official.<\/strong> This was interpreted as: (a)<\/strong> \u2018\u2026Any member: (b)<\/strong> \u2026Office holder: or (c)<\/strong> \u2026Employee of a Public Body\u2019 [ PCA: Section 2].<\/p>\n

EMBEZZLEMENT AND CONVERSION<\/strong><\/p>\n

As it affects \u2018Embezzlement,\u2019 <\/strong>this is an interception of property so \u2018Entrusted\u2019 <\/strong>before reaching the legitimate owner. This can be committed by any person, whether or not employed in a government or non-governmental capacity. Moreover, for a person to \u2018Fraudulently Convert Property\u2019<\/strong> to his own use, must also be employed as a \u2018Clerk or Servant\u2019<\/strong> and \u2018Entrusted\u2019<\/strong> with such property for a \u2018Specific Purpose.\u2019<\/strong> These are the two most critical elements constituting this offence.<\/p>\n

LEGAL POINTS TO PROVE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Crown Prosecutors not familiar with the elements that constitute these offences, and not so prosecutorally-positioned to prove the stipulated \u2018Legal Points,\u2019<\/strong> necessary to establish a \u2018Prima Facie Case,\u2019<\/strong> may encounter serious prosecutorial difficulties. These offences are contained in the \u2018Larceny Act\u2019 [Sections 4, 20 & 21: Chapter 241]. <\/strong>From professional law enforcement practice and knowledge, these are classified as \u2018Offences Against Property.\u2019<\/strong> The \u2018Prevention of Corruption Act,\u2019 neither speaks to: (i) \u2018\u2026Larceny: (ii) \u2026Receiving Stolen Property: (iii) \u2026Embezzlement: nor (iv) \u2026Fraudulent Conversion.<\/strong>\u2019 These, so inserted would have been capable of being argued by: (a)<\/strong> \u2018\u2026Defence Counsels: (b)<\/strong> \u2026Adjudicating Magistrates: and (c)<\/strong> \u2026Presiding Judges\u2019 as the result of legislative gymnastic, nonsensical and duplicitously bad.<\/p>\n

CONCLUSION<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is instructively, in the \u2018Corruption offence,\u2019<\/strong> the operative word- \u2018ACCESS.\u2019 <\/strong>The legislative language speaks to the \u2018Legal Points\u2019<\/strong> to be proved by the Prosecution. The other particularities include: (a) \u2018\u2026Improper use for his (personal) benefit: or (b) \u2026That of a third party: (c) \u2026Property owned by a Public Body: (d) \u2026In the performance of his functions: and (e) \u2026As a Public officer.\u2019<\/strong> These constitute the main criminal elements of the offence. In particular cases, whether or not being tried or under judicial consideration, only the \u2018Elected member or those Appointed to hold office or those employed with a \u2018Public Body\u2019 <\/strong>are legally considered \u2018Public officials\u2019 [PCA: No 21 of 2004].<\/strong> That said, should an ordinary citizen be unlawfully found in possession of any property, publicly or privately owned, and of whatever description and value, he\/she would be liable to be prosecuted for \u2018Larceny and Receiving Stolen Property.\u2019 <\/strong>The current trial of three former \u2018Cabinet Ministers\u2019<\/strong> on \u2018Corruption,\u2019<\/strong> have resulted from proceedings instituted under the \u2018Prevention of Corruption Act.\u2019<\/strong> Two other charges; (i) \u2018\u2026Embezzlement: and (ii) \u2026Fraudulent Conversion,\u2019<\/strong> instituted under the \u2018Larceny Act\u2019 [Chapter 241]. These appear poised to suffer serious prosecutorial and judicial injuries. ***<\/p>\n

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By Rawlston Pompey Even as the Holy Scripture urges, it has been human proclivity to delight himself in \u2018Vain Glory.\u2019 It warns mankind; \u2018\u2026Let us not be desirous of provoking one another or envying one another\u2019 [KJV: Galatians 5: 26]. Even so, man continues to be a thorn in the flesh and pain in the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":141994,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-141993","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\nCOMMENTARY: Prevention Of Corruption: Law Of Draconians - Antigua News Room<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/commentary-prevention-of-corruption-law-of-draconians\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"COMMENTARY: Prevention Of Corruption: Law Of Draconians\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"By Rawlston Pompey Even as the Holy Scripture urges, it has been human proclivity to delight himself in \u2018Vain Glory.\u2019 It warns mankind; \u2018\u2026Let us not be desirous of provoking one another or envying one another\u2019 [KJV: Galatians 5: 26]. 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