The appointment of two Magistrates in Anguilla is a positive development in the maintenance of law and order on the island and it obviously takes into account the fact that nowadays the Court is crowded with defendants. Unfortunately, the majority of them are youngsters who, with a bit of parental and community upbringing and guidance, would not be on the wrong side of the law. Taking into consideration the growth of crime on the island, the nature of the offences and all the other negative and perhaps complex issues involved, all and sundry should salute former Magistrate Birnie Stevenson-Brooks and part-time Magistrates John Benjamin and Courtney Abel for the strenuous tasks they have had to endure in dispensing justice and punishment.

The lot will now fall on Senior Magistrate Ivenia Benjamin of Dominica and Magistrate Keithly Benjamin of Anguilla. Both have come to the Magistracy on the island with high recommendation and promise and their selection is obviously commendable. One is coming from outside the island, unacquainted with any of the island folk or case matters and so, perhaps, with a better opportunity to look beyond certain circumstances and considerations in dealing with persons appearing before her. The other Magistrate, being an Anguillian, and fully-acquainted with the society, has an advantage of knowing the island and its people but, at the same time will have to work with the incoming Magistrate to ensure impartiality and balance in judicial practice at all times.

From Anguilla’s perspective, there is reason for pride in that for the first time in many years, an Anguillian Magistrate has been appointed to the Judiciary in his homeland. It is not just a singular honour to Mr. Benjamin, but a national one. There ought to be a feeling of personal accomplishment for him, having served in the high office of Commissioner of Police with much honour and respect to now take up a higher career in law for which he so wisely prepared himself on his approaching retirement from the Force.

He is undoubtedly one of the very few Caribbean law enforcement officers to make such an interesting and note-worthy transition. For all Anguillian young men and young women, who have been shying away from becoming members of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, it not only shows that there is dignity in the institution but that, if young people apply themselves and seek to elevate their position, the sky is the limit to what they can achieve. It is clearly a case where Mr. Benjamin ought to be commended for his outstanding achievement and for making Anguilla proud.

There is, however, a great burden placed on the Magistracy, as the Lower Court in the land, if not on the High Court as well. There is a need to look at the forms of punishment which, admittedly in Anguilla, are little other than sentencing youngsters to prison among hardcore offenders. How this by itself encourages reformation is a matter that is always up for debate. The cells in Anguilla are overflowing, prison conditions are deplorable, a number of the prisoners are in rebellion and others are ready for parole having reformed or spent most of their productive lives behind bars. The new Magistrates must put their heads together to work with the Governor’s Office and the Ministry and Department of Social Development and others, to see what can be done to curb crime and, at the same time, to protect our youngsters from being allowed to rot in the prison cells. While the new Magistrates uphold law and order, it is hoped that somehow their appointments can be a plus in finding ways to save our youth.

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News