Queen Counsel Valerie Neita Robertson, the attorney for one of the police officers charged in the so-called ‘death squad’, on Monday complained that the Government was contributing to the backlog before the court after the case she is involved in failed to proceed because of non-payment of legal fees by the finance ministry.
The murder case involving Corporal Kevin Adams and Constable Jerome Whyte was set for trial on January 29, but when the matter was mentioned in the Supreme Court Neita Roberston told the judge that the defence lawyers were unable to start because they have not yet received any payment from the Government, despite turning up at court on several occasions to represent their clients.
“This is one of several matters that the ministry has undertaken — to pay the legal fees. But we have been in the matter for four years and we have been working for free.
“While we are committed to the process of justice and to our client some of us are hanging on by a thread,” she said.
According to the attorney, the ministry made an offer early last year to pay for the legal fees for the officers and the lawyers who were involved had met with the permanent secretary and had given them a payment proposal including a payment plan, which they had approved, but since then the money has not been forthcoming.
Consequently, Neita Robertson said she is appealing to Justice Minister Delroy Chuck to step in and wants him to engage the finance ministry to release the funds to pay the police officers’ lawyers as it is delaying the preparation of the cases.
“It is the Government who speak about delays and backlog in the system yet they are the one contributing,” she said.
Neita Robertson said as a result of the lack of payment her case is not ready, as she needs funds to pay junior lawyers, pay for research, expert witness and to find witnesses, among other things.
“So we are at a standstill and because they don’t know the process they think they can just call today and the case begins tomorrow,” she said.
“This is not to detract from our commitment but is a disrespect to counsel because we work hard and we represent our clients to the best of our abilities,” she added.
In the meanwhile, Adams’ trial has been set for April 4 and he was remanded, while bail for his co-accused was extended.
Both are charged in connection with the shooting death of Anthony Trought on February 13, 2012.
Adams is also charged with the murder of Adif Washington, who was shot and killed by masked men while being treated at the May Pen Hospital, on January 14, 2013, the murder of Sylvester Gallimore on May 5, 2011, and that of Andrew Bisson, who was killed on September 5.
The accused are among eight Clarendon-based police officers who were charged in an alleged death squad probe which, the Independent Commission of Investigations alleged was responsible for the unlawful killing of 40 civilians.
Man leave the death squad alone Mek dem link with Adams and clean up dem lil nastiness dem weh a terrorize Jamaica. Cause when Adams and death squad did deh a road gunman did fraid fi do dem wrongs cause yuh neva know when death squad going get you. Aunt met mi live and grow a Clarendon so mi know weh mi a talk bout. Dem bwoy have no chill broad daylight and early evening dem bwoy ah Kill. Leggo back death squad and Adams plan dem rass
Different death squad this. Adams death squad did a do a good deed. this death squad did a tek money from man fi kill next man n all sorta f’ry.