CATEGORY:SITUATION UPDATE ------------------------------- INSIDE GRENADA THURSDAY June 28,2007 Press Secretary (Office of the Prime Minister) St. George's: In light of the recent events relating to the re sentencing hearing of the so called "Grenada 13, " the Government of Grenada would like to make its position clear on a number of matters. 1. The Government of Grenada would like to make it clear that the Executive and the Judiciary are separate and Independent. 2. The Government has no say and can have no say in the appointment of judges and magistrates 3. The independence of the judiciary was clearly demonstrated recently when the Government tried to appoint Mr. Hugh Wildman as Attorney General and the Judiciary rejected his appointment. It must also be noted that the Government had no say in the appointment of the Director of Public Prosecutions. 4. The decision of judges presiding over cases is also out of the control and influence of the Government. Government does not decide which judge tries which case and Government certainly had no say in the appointment of the judge in this case. In light of the serious nature of this case Government contracted the services of a highly respected Senior Counsel, Mr. Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj to support the Director of Public Prosecutions on this case. Mr. Maharaj was contracted by Government to ensure that the prosecution was strengthened in an effort to ensure that justice was done. In another attempt to ensure that justice was served the prosecution led by the DPP, filed an affidavit to have the judge removed from the case because of his perceived involvement with the defendants. This action was again rejected by the Judiciary headed by Acting Chief Justice Brian Alleyne. Government believes that now that the case has been decided it must be brought to attention of the public that all of the local lawyers involved in defending the prisoners are known and loud opponents of Government and indeed agents of the Opposition NDC. Mr. Ruggles Fergusson is President of the Bar and an antagonist for the Opposition NDC; Mr. Cajeton Hood, is a strong opponent of the Government and Mr. Anslem Clouden is also a well known opponent of the Government who constantly attacks the Prime Minister. Also central to the presentation of the case was another strong and vociferous Government opponent, Mr. Chester Humphrey Government like the vast majority of Grenadians is disappointed by today's ruling. However, like the majority of our law abiding Grenadian citizens we have to accept this decision and will have to abide by it as dictated by the law of our land. Government would like to express its deep sympathy for the families who lost love ones in the events of October 1983. We know that many families are grieving tonight especially those who still do not know the whereabouts of the bodies of their love ones. We therefore call on all Grenadians as a God Fearing people to pray for the families affected and to pray for peace and continued stability in our blessed country. We know that many of us may not be able to understand the reason behind today's ruling but we ask for God's guidance to lift us out of this very troubling time. The Prime Minister will address the nation in the very near future.