Trinidad Law Association criticises Justice Minister

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC –The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) has criticised Justice Minister Herbert Volney over calls that the present Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard should be removed from office.



"It (Volney's statements) may be perceived as a threat to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and its officers in the event that any decisions made by that Department do not find favour with some members of the Government,” the LATT said..



"It could create the impression that the Director may be arbitrarily removed from office other than through the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, which, by the Constitution, is the only body with that power."



Volney’s statement followed a decision by the DPP that there was insufficient evidence to charge anyone in connection with an alleged sabotage of his (Volney's) vehicle.



Volney had stated that he was horrified and shocked over Gaspard's decision not to prefer charges against anyone in relation to a complaint that someone poured salt into the engine of his TT$300,000 (US$50,000) Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)..



Volney, a former High Court judge on learning of the DPP's decision on March 26, said there was enough evidence in the case.



"I think the time has now come for the country to decide whether this present DPP should continue to serve in that capacity and I say that given my 32 years in the criminal justice system, the first ten of which was in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions."



But in its statement, the Law Association said it is “of belief that it is essential that these two organs enjoy and maintain good relations.



“The Law Association is confident that the Honourable Minister of Justice and the Director of the Public Prosecutions are both committed to doing so in the interest of the administration of justice and the rule of law," the statement concluded.



Media reports on Sunday said that Volney’s ex-driver had reported to the police last November that he had parked the vehicle near his home and on his return was not able to start the vehicle.



The reports said that the vehicle was subsequently towed to the dealers where it was later discovered that the salt had been placed in the engine.