The press in Dominica has been told that they cannot enter to cover the Criminal Session of the High Court that officially opened on January 24, 2022.
The Criminal Session of the High Court has been closed for almost a year.
There are no laws in place governing such a decision except in the case of a sexual nature where such matters are held “in camera” meaning with the press absent.
The police and court staff informed the press who tried to gain access that “we were told not to allow the press in.”
Attorney at law and Peter Alleyne brought the matter to the attention of the Registrar of the High Court and questioned her on “what law was such a decision taken” she then informed him that she was merely carrying out instructions.
She then met two members of the press outside including Curtis Matthew News Editor of DBS radio and said that she was “sorry but was merely carrying out instructions.”
Inquired as to who gave those instructions we were told “the Judge.”
The matter was also brought to the attention of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Sherma Dyrample who said there was adequate space in the court to accommodate the press.
Matthew also inquired from the Judge about her decision and she replied that she has to protect the court staff and if the press was given access, she would leave the courtroom.
Nature Isle News (NIN) will continue to follow the matters especially given the fact that the court is a public place and criminal trials barring those of a sexually nature are open to the press and the public.
The criminal court is for criminals, not the press lol.
The Speaker can why can’t the Judge
Really Mr. Baptiste wow…very interesting from you
Editor
How you know which Baptiste made the comment?
Most upside down country of u ask me
The Registrar is not a Puppet She should have Stood up to the Judge and Told Her NO That is unconstitutional MI lady I cannot carry out those instructions. Mr Alleyne and Ms Darample should have refused to Appear … Secret Courts are the Ultimate Enemy of Democracy … Does Any One Have Cajones in Fominica
The Registrar is Not An Employee of the Judge … Her proper response was I cannot do that mi lady as your request is unconstitutional … Further and more particularly I Am responsible for the Registry Staff NOT YOU …. AS per Mr Peter Alleyne and Ms Sherma Darample they should simply have refused to Appear before her on the grounds that Secret Courts are Anathema to Democracy … The press should have tried to force their way in and create a scene … Make it a Story … Get Arrested if neccssrry … BTW Is there Anyone in Dominica with CAJONES
Dat judge just give de press some serious ammunition against her…….if is talk she afraid of then she just invited talk on her back……. you expect to be honored for dat????
Shame on you!!!!