DPP Smith calls on citizens to put national interests first and pursue justice

Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS): The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis recently took legislative steps to enhance citizen safety by imposing stiffer penalties for the possession and use of illegal firearms and crimes against the person, both shooting and non-shooting incidents.

In an appearance on the radio and television show InFocus, which aired on Wednesday (3 July 2024), Director of Public Prosecutions Adlai Smith (DPP) welcomed the changes as they fall under the umbrella of criminal justice reform. However, he urged citizens to come forward to help law enforcement.

Mr Smith said: “Parliament can pass all the laws it wants, but unless citizens across the country step up and participate in the judicial process, it will all be in vain.”

He pointed out that the federation’s motto “country before self” is “one of the best mottos in the world” and called on people to put national interests first and achieve national peace.

Mr Smith said: “If you see something going on out there that is wrong and you remain silent, you are just as guilty as the perpetrator.”

The prosecutor recalled a recent case in which a man was caught on camera committing an illegal act. His face was partially covered. However, two people were able to provide positive identification. One of the witnesses stated that they could not identify the perpetrator, while another refused to cooperate. The case was subsequently withdrawn by the prosecutor. A few months later, the same perpetrator was booked and charged with rape on another charge.

“If you don’t act to get justice, you are putting other citizens at risk. ‘Country before self’ is more than just a slogan to be put on a shirt, on a wall or over the judge’s head in a courtroom,” Mr. Smith stressed.

Attorney General Garth Wilkin said new policies and laws would help encourage people to give evidence. One of these measures is the new Judicial Interference Prevention Act, which states that anyone who attempts to bribe, interfere with or intimidate a witness, juror, judge or court officer can be charged. We are also working with regional and international partners to establish a witness protection network to encourage people to give evidence where it is necessary to fulfill their civic duty.