IT IS NOT ONLY attorney-at-law Andrew Pilgrim who believes Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite spoke out of turn last week at a meeting of the Barbados Police Association.
Online readers said Brathwaite should have been more circumspect in expressing his opinion on the then denial of bail for Constable Everton Gittens, who was on remand accused of the May 15, 2015 murder of Selwyn “Blues” Knight and shooting his son Junior.
The Attorney General said if bail could be granted to someone called Lord Evil, there was no reason Gittens should remain incarcerated. Gittens was finally granted bail last Friday.
Knight’s widow Marleen has been vocal on the issue and so were online readers.
Bajan Rasta: The AG is out of order and on the border of meddling in the affairs of the judiciary. In the USA or England he would be forced to resign, but in Barbados, politicians can get away with anything. What a sad state when these ruff dry politicians believe they are demi-gods.
Peggy Stoute Morin: For someone in the legal profession, in addition to being the island’s AG, this shows such a lack of sophistication that I’m wondering what the man is thinking.
Wendy Reid: Every time a mic is shoved in your face or someone asks you to comment on a matter, does not mean you have to comment.
Charles Alleyne: There is a separation of powers that is parliament, executive powers and judiciary. Therefore the attorney general is responsible for the ministry of justice and in his capacity he just cannot influence the court and the decisions they make because they are separate. The Attorney General must keep his opinions to himself without uttering his saying at any forum [to] appease those who are in attendance.
Philip Clement: He should be asked to step down as AG. That was definitely too personal and he also showed no respect or empathy to the victim’s family.
Rosy Blackman: Maybe what the AG said isn’t wrong but should he have voiced it? Last time I checked, Mr Gittens had a very competent attorney who could have done so on his behalf.
Lauriston Applewhaitelauriston: I was shocked to hear his remarks. Very sad. Let the judges do their jobs. Stay out of the courts, Mr Brathwaite.
Sheldine Dyall: He should be dismissed.
Dave D. Small: We have disintegrated into a banana republic where anything goes . . . .
Judy Stanford: No one charged with murder should ever get bail. Get this trial under way and get a conclusion!
Joan Wickham: I don’t have a problem with him getting bail, I have a problem with the way they went about setting the wheels in motion. It is scary.
• Sherrylyn Toppin is THE NATION’s Online Editor.
