Gov’t looking at abolishing jury for some High Court trials
In the new legislative year, the government will be seeking to make several amendments to the current Jury Act to improve the justice system in the BVI.
In delivering the Speech to the Throne on November 5, Governor Augustus Jaspert said the government will “seek to examine the powers of a [High Court] judge as it relates to jury trials”.
“The review will explore the question as to whether some trials can be heard by a judge without a jury to allow the expediency of justice in the territory,” Jaspert stated.
The Governor also said the Jury Act will be reviewed to enhance the selection of jurors and to establish a jury register.
Many problems have been cited with the current jury register.
Back in October 2019, Justice Ann-Marie Smith — after citing several defects to the current register — ordered that the High Court’s pool of potential jurors from across the territory be quashed and a new list drafted.
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By what authority. How would this work legally?
This government is fighting hard for independence.they are trying everything it takes to annoy the British.the priemiere is using the word greater autonomy as a word to fool people.but they are really fighting for independence.guys,they are trying this process by going behind people back.guys we need to wake up.loik at what andrew is doing,he and skelton cline is going behind our back to do so.he is not even consulting the people.guys,that in it self alone is dictorship.so how much worst it would be if we ever go independent.people listen,most independent islands are currently struggling.they have to look to china and sell passports they call citizen by investment program.they sell it to wealthy foriegn investors in other to invest in their countries.then they turn to china for aid.china in turn dictate them.what about currency?.we cannot continue to spend us currency any more.we would our own.or eastern caribbean currency.we would also have to jion caricom.we would have to adopt free travel movement.caricom nationals can live and work freely without hassle.we are futunate to travel visa free to the us,canada,and els where without visa.most caribvean need visa to travel to the us abd canada.guys,we need to stop let this government force us into going independent.we are not ready for that yet.look at how corrupted our government are.let’s say no to independent at this moment.we are not yet ready.
GOVERNMENT BE CAREFUL OF WHAT YOU ARE DOING HS YOU SEEK PERMISSION FROM THE PRIVY COUNCIL BETER WATCH WHAT YOU AND YOUR GOVERNMENT IS DOING HURRY CURRY DOES BRING QUICK WORRY MAKE SURE THE LAW IS ON THE BVI SIDE THROW OUT ONE TO BRING A NOTHER PEOPLE THE BVI MIGHT JUST SHUDDER
Voters should have the choice of trial by either a judge or jury.