Lawyers upset at being barred

The Editor, Sir:

Please publish this as an open letter to the solicitor general, Douglas Leys.

Dear Sir,

We of the Jamaican Bar Association are shocked by and in disagreement with the position taken by an attorney from your office appearing in the tribunal established under the state of emergency. As reported to us by our president, your representative expressed the view that attorneys not representing specific clients ought not to be permitted to attend and remain in the tribunal hearings. It has long been established that attorneys as officers of the court may attend in-camera hearings.

Lawyers are officers of the court and guardians of the Constitution. Those who represent individuals have a particular responsibility in this regard.

We therefore issue this protest on behalf of the attorneys practising at the private Bar and alert you that barring a specific ruling we assert the right of our members to attend these hearings.

I am, etc.,

JACQUELINE SAMUELS-BROWN

Kingston