The criminal justice system has made significant strides in clearing its backlog of serious cases, with over 580 indictable matters — including 67 murder cases — cleared in just an 18-month span, Attorney General Dale Marshall has revealed.
Delivering the keynote address at The Barbados Police Service’s Annual Grand Conference on Monday, Marshall said the progress reflects a concerted effort by the government to strengthen the criminal justice system, increase prosecutorial capacity, and support the work of law enforcement.
“In the 18-month period commencing January 2023 and ending with June last year, 584 indictable matters were disposed of — and that includes 67 murders,” he shared. “For the calendar year 2024, the criminal courts were able to dispose of 292 cases.”
The attorney general credited the results to key institutional improvements, including the expansion of the criminal bench and prosecutorial staff.
Since 2018, the number of judges handling criminal trials has grown from two to eight, while the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has more than doubled its cadre of attorneys — from eight to 17 prosecutors.
Marshall said the reforms are designed to ease the pressure on police officers, reduce delays, and improve the overall effectiveness of the justice system.
“We have enacted legislation to provide for stiff mandatory minimum penalties of 10 years’ imprisonment for illegal use of a firearm as a first offense, with not less than 20 years’ imprisonment for a second offense,” he added.
He pointed to the new Bail Act, designed to make it harder for individuals charged with murder or serious firearm offenses to be released while awaiting trial.
The law, he said, was a direct response to police frustrations over repeat offenders.
The AG also highlighted recent legislative reforms aimed at making the justice system more efficient, including the introduction of plea bargaining, judge-alone trials, whistleblower protection, and new anti-corruption laws.
He confirmed that the first trial by judge alone has already taken place and said the new options are intended to shorten trial times and limit the number of hours officers spend in court giving evidence.
“These measures are all designed to make the system work better and reduce the strain on police officers,” he said.
Marshall also noted the formation of the Advisory Council on Citizen Security, established in September last year.
He said the council is currently reviewing anti-gang legislation from across the Caribbean to advise the government on further steps to enhance public safety.
“The Police Service plays a pivotal role in all of these initiatives,” Marshall said. “You are central to our efforts to keep Barbados safe and ensure that those who commit serious crimes are brought to justice swiftly and effectively.” (SM)
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