Petition for Justice and Accountability in Barbados

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The Issue

Justice must be transparent, fair, and equal for every citizen. When people lose confidence in the justice system, the rule of law is weakened.

I am launching this petition because I believe there are serious questions surrounding the handling of my criminal matter within the justice system of Barbados.

Prior to my attending any court hearing, my case proceeded without my knowledge, and I was not notified. Subsequent to my attendance and giving testimony in court, I have not been informed of any update or outcome. Despite seeking answers regarding how my case was called in court to be heard and no notice extended to me, I have not received an explanation as to how this occurred.

This petition is not simply about my case. It is about ensuring that no citizen is denied due process or left without answers when interacting with the justice system. If this can happen to one person, it could happen to others.

Every public official entrusted with administering justice has a duty to uphold the law with fairness, transparency, and accountability. Public confidence depends upon knowing that concerns about the administration of justice will be independently reviewed when they arise.

We therefore call on the Director of Public Prosecutions of Barbados to:

  • Authorize or facilitate an independent investigation into the handling of my criminal matter, including why my case proceeded without my being notified.
  • Publicly disclose the findings of that investigation.
  • Take any lawful corrective action if procedural failures or irregularities are identified.

We further call upon the Attorney General and the appropriate constitutional authorities to:

  • Review the administration of my case to determine whether established legal procedures were followed.
  • Ensure that appropriate accountability measures are taken where failures are identified.
  • Consider whether continued public confidence in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
     requires further constitutional review if no adequate investigation is undertaken or serious procedural failures are confirmed.
  • Bring my case to closure with an outcome.

This petition is not motivated by revenge or personal animosity. It is motivated by the belief that justice must be accountable to the people it serves.

As the late Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow reminded us, democracy depends upon strong institutions and the rule of law. Barbados deserves a justice system that treats every citizen equally and transparently.

I have chosen to no longer remain silent.  Instead of running from my experience, I am choosing to stand up and seek accountability through lawful and peaceful means.

If you believe that every Barbadian deserves equal justice under the law, regardless of who they are, please sign this petition and help call for transparency, accountability, and fairness within our justice system.

Justice delayed, denied, or hidden from public scrutiny undermines confidence in our democracy. Together, let us work to restore that confidence.

The Decision Makers

Leslie Haynes
Leslie Haynes
Chief Justice of Barbados
Wilfred Abrahams
Wilfred Abrahams
Attorney General, Barbados
Donna Babb-Agard
Donna Babb-Agard
Director of Public Prosecutions
Jeffrey Bostic
Jeffrey Bostic
The President of Barbados
The Chairman
The Chairman
Police Complaints Authority

Petition Updates