Is the VI Judicial System corrupt like the politicians? - Former Magistrate
The former Territorial-At-Large Candidate in the 2015 snap election on the Opposition Virgin Islands Party ticket said "the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007 guarantees every person a right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time before a fair and independent tribunal."
She hinted that while many are quick to condemn one branch of government, the Executive branch, "in order to get the Territory back on track we also have to look into the administration of justice in the Virgin Islands."
The Virgin Islander, who is now in private legal practice and is the head of Rosan Law, spoke boldly about the Virgin Islands (VI) legal regime which is part of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) judicial system. She stated that "the way the system is set up allows for interference in the administration of justice. There is no point in attempting to weed out undesirables from within the Government Administration when the system set in place to test the veracity of complaints can be easily compromised."
Public denied access to justice- Rosan-Bunbury
Mrs Rosan-Bunbury alleged "there are as we speak members of the public being denied access to the courts, denied access to justice; whose matters the court refuses to list for hearing." Additionally, she said, "I am not ready to say upon whose instructions."
Further criticising the legal system, the former political candidate and Attorney stated that "some 8 months ago, our law firm reported to the Chief Justice what appeared to be questionable behaviour between a judge sitting in the Territory and counsel from the Attorney General's Chambers. Behaviour that suggested that they were working in cahoots. One would think that this matter would have been handled with urgency. It appears that the report is being ducked. Further, it appears that as a consequence members of the public matters are not being listed for hearing in court," she told our newsroom.
Many ordinary residents, civil society, along with inmates at Her Majesty's Prison have often complain about the lack of justice and the corrupt legal system, where is seems like money buys justice, but it appears that it has now been confirmed, according to the former Magistrate.
Public’s complaints have merit- Former Magistrate
She stated that "during my career I have heard complaints from members of the public that the system is rigged against them and in favour of the favoured at the time. I did not appreciate these complaints because of where I sat, where my level of understanding of the system was at the time. But now from where I sit in defence of the public the picture is clear."
In another indictment to the local legal system, Mrs Rosan-Bunbury stated "my experiences have matured me and awakened me to the plight of a people living in an unjust system, systems that do not have the appropriate checks and balances for accountability."
The former Magistrate also said "my experiences have uniquely prepared me to help our people build a system that introduces accountability into the judiciary for the right functioning of the administration of justice."
There has been no immediate reaction from the VI Attorney General Baba Aziz or the Chief Justice of the OECS Court system under which the VI falls, Dame Janice M. Pereira.
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60 Responses to “Is the VI Judicial System corrupt like the politicians? - Former Magistrate”
Go take your BS somewhere else! Is year's now Ms Bunbury talking about these things. You really sound bitter. You and your minions go and have a seat. Soon y'all can't do sh*t about what will unfold in this country.
She has been on the inside and now the outside so she speaks with authority
One Love!