ANGUILLA–Premier Victor Banks has expressed in a radio address his support for the statements by Governor Tim Foy and Attorney General Dwight Horsford in regard to Scott Hapgood refusing to return to Anguilla. He noted that so far he has been cautious in commenting on the entire matter because it is first and foremost a police matter.
“The Royal Anguilla Police Force is the agency that has the responsibility to investigate such matters and to obtain evidence so as to arrive at an understanding of what occurred. Once such evidence has been secured, they must then turn that evidence over to another agency, namely, the Court System to adjudicate the matter. These two agencies, namely, the Police and the Courts are at the core of our justice system and no other arm or department of government should intervene in that process,” Banks said.
Banks said that he and his colleagues have always maintained a policy not to intervene or intercede in any matter being managed by the agencies mentioned. “It is precisely to ensure the independence of these agencies that the concept of separation of powers between the executive, legislative and the judiciary arms of government is enshrined in our Constitution. In every truly democratic society, these principles ensure that social justice is maintained and that the rights of all citizens are upheld. My position on this matter has not changed.”
“Having said all of the above I am deeply perturbed that Mr. Hapgood has called our system into disrepute simply because it is his view that it does not appear to agree unequivocally to his claim of innocence, further claiming that his life is in danger and his safety cannot be assured. There has been absolutely no evidence to substantiate these claims and I wholeheartedly support the statements released by the Attorney General and the Governor’s Office condemning these claims.”
Banks concluded by noting that the relevant agencies have a formal process underway for securing Hapgood’s return and he remains confident in the judicial process. He is assuring all Anguillians, visitors, friends and stakeholders in Anguilla that it will be dealt with in accordance with the highest principles of natural justice, including the presumption of innocence.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/92463-premier-banks-agrees-with-governor-attorney-general
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