Gov’t implementing witness anonymity law
A bill that will protect the identities of witnesses involved in certain court cases is being introduced in the British Virgin Islands.
The bill is being titled Witness Anonymity and once implemented, a court will have the ability to effect a witness anonymity order to protect the safety of any witness.
While delivering his Speech from the Throne last week, Governor Augustus Jaspert said such an order will also prevent damage to a witness’ property, and ‘prevent real harm to the public interest’.
“This would be an invaluable tool in assisting with combating serious crime and at the same, it would also help to re-establish public confidence in the criminal justice system,” the Governor said.
Government is expected to introduce the bill to the House of Assembly this year.
This new piece of legislation is among several others that is expected to be implemented or amended for 2018.
“Our government is focused on introducing and amending different pieces of legislation under the theme: Build BVI Stronger, Smarter, Greener, Better. This vision is born out of our government’s longtime commitment of putting people first,” Governor Jaspert said.
He continued: “It chronicles the shared experiences of our people following the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria and their collective hope in making this territory more resilient and more sustainable, stronger than ever before.”
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
Putting all these Laws in place and actually implementing them are two different things. History has a way of repeating itself if not learned the first time.
Long overdue. The RVIPF has been doing superb in keeping the community abreast of their plans and has been fairly transparent but in some cases they should keep some things private. Catch the criminals unaware.
Then big mouth police officers still going to talk.
And don’t forget call up yuh name!
And the funny thing is, they know their force is corrupt. SIGH. This wont change anything!
I support the Governor in the planned introduction of this new legislation. I believe it will definitely boost the involvement of members of the public in providing valuable information and evidence that could help solve crime and deter criminals.
“I see not said the blind man.” Old people use to say “see and don’t see”. If it don’t concern you leave it alone.
Its a good motive really, but people these days in the 21st century have the kind of mentality as mentioned above. Don’t care how much protection they will have or how much money they will be offered.. Aint nobody trying talk to go catch them death. I just being real.
“If it dont concern you leave it alone” Sorry “Hmmm” shootings and murders , espcialy of a child, should be the concern of everyone who lives here.
Really these police like talk them self how we so sure we could trust them too