By Grace Q. Bryant
The failure of the Justice Ministry to provide fuel for the bus that is transporting defendants in the US$1million drugs case to the court is hindering the trial.
The behavior of the Ministry of Justice on Monday prompted Judge Blamo Dixon to issue a strong warning to the Ministry thereby stating that the Ministry has left the fueling of the bus on the correction officers.
“The information that the court received revealed that it was the correction officers who put money together to buy one gallon of fuel for the bus therefore prosecution should take note and act accordingly, “Judge Dixon cautioned.
The court therefore ordered the Ministry of Justice to provide sufficient fuel for the bus so that the defendants are brought to court on time.
Meanwhile, Judge Dixon suspended the Tuesday hearing to give the empaneled jury the opportunity to participate in the Voter’s Registration process.
He said his decision was reached between the Jury Management Office and the court adding, “ When the proper mechanisms are put into place, prosecution shall sent its Representatives for both parties to accompany the jurors to the registration center that will be selected by the Jury Management Office.”
He noted that details shall be given on the fourth instant which is Tuesday concerning the participation of the Jurors in the Voters Registration process.
At the same, the prosecution’s witness did not show up for his testimony due to illness.
Giving reason for the witness’ illness, the prosecution told the court, “Our witness that was due to take the stand suddenly fell ill and will not make it today to court.”
However, the defense argued that it observed that on the indictment, the prosecution listed the total of eight witnesses and five have already testified thereby leaving three otherwise to take the stand.
“The information from the prosecuting Attorney is true that one of its witnesses is ill, which defense does not dispute, nevertheless there are two other witnesses out of the eight that could have taken the stand today. More besides, the name of the witness that is said to be ill was not disclosed to the court; which creates a doubt,” the defense registered.
The defense also asked the Judge to caution the prosecution that they should be ready at all times to proceed with the trial in the interest of the constitutional right of the defendants and to facilitate speedy trial.
