SOURCE: LOOP NEWS- The Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association and Prime Minister Gaston Browne are at odds over comments made by the Prime Minister criticizing the judiciary’s approach to bail and sentencing in gun-related cases.
About two weeks ago, Browne expressed frustration with what he perceives as lenient sentencing and bail practices, particularly for repeat offenders involved in gun crimes.
In an official statement made today, the Bar Association cautioned against undermining public trust in the judiciary, emphasizing the importance of the separation of powers.
They stated, “The courts are bulwarks of our Constitution and laws, and public officials must be careful not to undermine public trust in the judiciary.” The association also urged public officials and citizens to “fact-check and be armed with all relevant information” before criticizing the judicial system.
Prime Minister Browne, however, responded forcefully on Facebook, dismissing the Bar Association’s statement as “idiocy” and asserting that “the judiciary is not beyond reproach.” He criticized what he called “weak knee” apologetics, accusing them of “giving comfort to criminals” at the expense of public safety.
Browne defended his stance, stating, “If you want respect from the people, institute stricter sentencing and work with law enforcement to deny bail, when these criminals represent a threat to the society.” He characterized his approach as “fearless leadership” rather than autocracy, emphasizing his commitment to addressing crime and violence, which he described as “a public health epidemic.”
The Prime Minister concluded his response defiantly, saying, “I said what I said. Come for me!” This exchange highlights the tension between the government’s desire for stricter measures against gun-related crimes and the legal community’s concerns about maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.
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The judiciary is a corrupt bunch.
I stand with the Prime Minister . The bar association have list the peoples confidence in their competence and integrity.
Like the Doctors feed on the sick…the Attorneys depend on the criminals and their activities….we all feed on something….their livelihood is at stake. Most of them are ambulance chasers. Let not be naive… in a small society there is not enough corporations..marine or real estate activities to feed them….so 99% do criminal law…where the poor in society are the pawns…just look at the prison population…
Need I say more…the criminals are their bread and butter.
When last the Bar Association held any of their own accountable?
When last someone been disbarred?
@ Chups
Disbarred? When one of the chief offender is the Attorney General who up to now has not been brought before the court for forgery?
The bar association members need to understand that these are crucial times, which then calls for crucial measures. The law is there to protect the people,. When these criminals want to destabilize our island, we have to put stringent measures in place. Only a matter of time before the criminals start to.come at them too.
With the Prime Minister lending his voice to the situation we are already seeing results. It did not even need to go this far, persons in various responsible positions should have already start putting this in place.
The members in that association can relax on their butt because they already change laws to suit them when the other party was in power. To sell or buy a property, you have to get a lawyer and it is a percentage of the value, not a fix fee. Is there more work involved to sell a big property vs a small one?
Disbarrment will never happen they are all snakes in a pit
If they think the PM afraid to take them on they are lying. You guys messed with the wrong PM. He nah fraid nobody. And he knows it’s just a bunch of you UPP attached lawyers hiding behind the name of the BAR Association. If it was in his power to disbar some of you he would have done so long time.
I stand with the Prime Minister. The judiciary system is in dire need of an overhaul. They take people money and do nothing but conspire behind closed doors
Wow! What a TECTONIC clash? Impending collision 💥 incoming. Hmm, hmm, hmmmmm.
A layman 🥸 taking on the Bar Association ⚖️ and their lawyers 🧑🏾💼👩🏾💼🧑🏾💼🧑🏾💼👩🏾💼🧑🏾💼?!?!
THIS IS A DREAM COME TRUE …
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