HIGH COURT DELAYS OPENING OF CRIMINAL SITTINGS

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has also been felt in the criminal justice system…
The High Court in Antigua and Barbuda says the opening of the criminal assizes will not take place on Tuesday the 21st of April as scheduled.
This means jurors who were summoned to appear at court Tuesday are now being asked NOT to attend.
The court says future notifications will be published via local media outlets after stakeholders are consulted.
Deputy High Court Registrar Kayode O’marde says the cancellation is due to guidelines under the state of emergency and various advisories received by the Court.
He says the opening usually draws a large crowd and it would be difficult to practise social distancing guidelines especially in relation to conducting jury trials.

Despite the opening being put off indefinitely, the court will still conduct proceedings to conclude matters where persons may have pleaded or were found guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
The court is also working with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions and members of the criminal bar to schedule matters where pleas or discontinuations are forthcoming.

He says similar interventions will be done for bail applications, which are now being heard via video or teleconference.