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Sentencing Guidelines: Delivering Fairness & Justice In Barbados

On Friday, May 10, 2024, the Barbados Supreme Court unveiled its inaugural Sentencing Guidelines, marking a significant milestone in the multi-year Barbados Sentencing Guidelines initiative.

Supported by the U.S. and UK Governments through the U.S.-UK Criminal Justice Reform Project, the Sentencing Guidelines introduce a step-by-step process that will help ensure consistency in the approach taken by judges and magistrates when sentencing offenders.

The guidelines will also assist in providing clearer reasons for the sentences passed which can be readily understood by offenders, victims, and the wider public. The first set of guidelines, which deal with rape, drug offences, theft, robbery, burglary, aggravated burglary, and causing death by dangerous driving, are set to come into effect soon. More Guidelines are slated to be developed and implemented in the future in other areas, including firearm offences.

The guidelines were developed by the Sentencing Guidelines Committee, led by Chief Justice of Barbados, The Honourable Sir Patterson Cheltenham and comprising judicial officers, attorneys-at-law from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as well as the private bar, and academics. The Committee’s work was also informed by views received from the public consultation process.

Additionally, a training workshop was held to expose judges, magistrates, prosecutors, and defence attorneys to the guidelines and how they are intended to work.

With the launch of these Sentencing Guidelines, Barbados joins the wider regional sentencing guidelines initiative supported by the U.S.-UK Criminal Justice Reform Project, which has to date produced 22 guidelines for the nine countries that fall under the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

Chief Justice Cheltenham, in his remarks at the launch, emphasised that the Barbados Sentencing Guidelines will in no way restrict judges or magistrates from exercising their discretion when they are determining an appropriate sentence for an offender.

Instead, he explained that the purpose is to provide a framework that guides the approach that a judge or magistrate takes in coming to a sentence in each case, which reflects the crime and its seriousness, as well as the circumstances of the offender and other relevant considerations.

U.S. Ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the OECS, Roger Nyhus, highlighted the U.S.’ commitment to “best practices in the delivery of justice” and the very real difference being made through the existing partnership between the U.S. Government and Barbados.

He also commended the combined efforts of the judiciary of Barbados and Criminal Justice Adviser to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Sirah Abraham, who leads the U.S.-UK Criminal Justice Reform Project, in bringing this critical initiative to fruition.

Ambassador Nyhus also stated that “the United States is proud to partner with Barbados to strengthen our institutions for the benefit of all our citizens”.

British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Scott Furssedonn-Wood, in addressing the gathering, lauded the judiciary’s commitment to enhancing the administration of justice and engaging in initiatives that result in meaningful reform within the criminal justice system.

He commended the development of the guidelines, which will enhance public trust and confidence in the criminal justice system and also serve to increase transparency and public knowledge about how sentences are arrived at.

High Commissioner Furssedonn-Wood pledged the UK’s continued support to the Barbados Sentencing Guidelines Project reiterating the UK Government’s commitment to supporting Barbados’ vision for stronger, more just, and inclusive institutions and a bright future.

Both the U.S. Ambassador and the British High Commissioner extended congratulations to Chief Justice Cheltenham on his distinguished career and offered best wishes as he prepares to retire. (PR/GIS)

Caption: From left to right – Chief Justice, The Honourable Sir Patterson Cheltenham, was joined by United States Ambassador to Barbados, Roger Nyhus; Criminal Justice Adviser with the U.S.-U.K. Criminal Justice Reform Project, Sirah Abraham; and British High Commissioner to Barbados, Scott Furssedonn-Wood, at the Barbados Judiciary’s unveiling of its inaugural Sentencing Guidelines last Friday

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Remembrance Day Parade On November 10, 2024

Barbados will remember the servicepeople who lost their lives during World Wars I and II, with the customary Remembrance Day Parade and a short inter-denominational service at the Cenotaph, National Heroes Square, The City, on Sunday, November 10.

The parade will commence at 8:00 a.m. and will be broadcast live on national television and radio.

Several armed and unarmed uniformed groups will be on parade, including the Barbados Defence Force, The Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Legion, the Barbados Fire Service, the Barbados Prison Service, the Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides.

Wreaths will be laid at the Cenotaph by the President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason; Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, Chief Justice Leslie Haynes, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.

The service will be followed by an informal inspection of veterans and a march-past by uniformed groups. Members of the public desirous of attending the event are asked to collect tickets from the receptionist at Government Headquarters, Bay Street, St. Michael, from Monday, November 4, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

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Key Reminders When Considering Investment Opportunities

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) is reminding the public to exercise caution when considering investments in Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) schemes. While MLMs may present themselves as legitimate business opportunities, some can be risky or even illegal, leading to significant financial losses.

Here are some key things to consider before making any investments:

1. Research the Company/Person(s): Thoroughly investigate the background, business model, and reputation of any of the company or persons involved. Verify whether the company or persons associated with the investment are registered and regulated by relevant authorities like the Financial Services Commission.

2. Understand the Business Model: Genuine businesses generate revenue primarily through the sale of products or services, not recruitment of participants. Be wary of models that emphasise recruitment over product sales.

3. Check for Red Flags: Promises of high returns with little effort, emphasis on recruiting others, or pressure to make large upfront investments are warning signs.

4. Consult with Experts: Seek advice based on your financial goals and wherewithal from regulated individuals or companies set up to provide such guidance.

The public is urged to approach all investment opportunities with caution and conduct their due diligence to safeguard their financial well-being.

It is an offence for persons not registered or licensed with the Commission to offer investment advice, sell financial products or deal in securities.

The public is encouraged to notify the Commission of any situations where entities or individuals engage in these practices without being duly registered and/or licensed. (PR/GIS)

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Barbadians Continue To Benefit From UNESCO Training In Cuba

Barbadians continue to benefit from UNESCO training courses in Cuba, despite the country experiencing an island-wide blackout from Friday, October 18.

Three Barbadians are currently in Cuba participating in the Caribbean Cultural Training Hub of the UNESCO Programme Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, which was organised by the UNESCO Regional Office in Havana, and funded by the European Union.

Historian and Genealogical Researcher, Stacia Martindale, is participating in the course Designing Small Businesses in Heritage Tourism Destinations, while Landscape Architectural Technician, Kodi Husbands, and Assistant Coordinator and Researcher of the Barbados National Register of Historic Places, Rhianna Smith, are participating in the course Introduction to the Management of Integrated Development of Historic Centers.

They shared their experiences of being in Cuba and about the courses they are studying.

Ms. Martindale said: “So far, the experience has been very amazing. I’ve been loving the culture of Cuba and the general experience in class.

It’s really been exciting for me. It’s my first time in Cuba. I think I know quite a bit about Cuba just because I’m really interested in History. I’m actually a History teacher, so to come here, where that history has happened, is really, really exciting for me.”

Mr. Husbands, who is on his second visit to Cuba, shared that the first time he visited was on a vacation. “It really resonated with me. I got to understand the culture a lot more [and] I was able to identify with the people after speaking to them about their experiences and how they live. That’s what inspired me to continue working in sustainable architecture and design, and cater for society and the people, rather than doing it for money.

“So far, I’ve found different methods or techniques and practices which can be useful for back home in my field of architecture. And different ways I can further develop my country, whether it’s towns like Bridgetown, Speightstown, or Oistins. Or even smaller communities like in the East Coast, or in St. George or more rural areas as well,” he remarked.

It is also the second time for Ms. Smith, who previously benefitted from a course in June, this year, at the prestigious International Film and Television School of San Antonio de Los Baños, on the outskirts of Havana.

“This experience has been a lot different compared to when I was in San Antonio. Havana is a lot more active and has a lot more to see. And so, I’ve been able to immerse in the culture in ways that I was not able to the first time around,” Ms. Smith said.

She added: “We have been having some tours where we have been seeing examples of not only the restoration of historic sites and buildings, but also the repurposing of those buildings for uses that really fit the community. For instance, earlier this week we visited a daycare. But it was a day care for the elderly which doubles as a day care for babies, and so on.

“And so, what they are trying to do is to integrate those two generations and, of course, develop a consciousness of caring for the elderly. Things like that have led me to conclude that it’s been nothing short of inspiring so far, and I’m just looking forward to seeing where things go.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: From left to right – Rhianna Smith, Barbados’ Ambassador to Cuba, Dr. Sharon Marshall; UNESCO Director Anne Lemaistre; Stacia Martindale; and Kodi Husbands pose for a photograph