Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

Executive Director of the Legal Aid Association, Hugh Faulkner, said the system is being overhauled and the members must work hard to represent those who are poor.

Faulkner was speaking to police personnel from the St Catherine South Division on Thursday during a tour at the Portmore police station.

"Let me tell you, the lawyers that are available for legal aid assignments are not all young and inexperienced, as some persons think, even Queen's Counsels have expressed interest in coming on board,'' Faulkner said.

He outlined that there are 350 attorneys-at-law on the list of the legal aid roster, and told the police that the role of these lawyers are to protect the rights of persons who are taken into custody by the police.

"We are going to take the tour to all the police stations across the island with a view of even asking that police personnel, before coming on the streets, are well aware of the rights of every citizen,'' Faulkner remarked.

money factor

The attorney highlighted that legal aid is assigned to any case before the court, except Petty Sessions, with exception of money laundering and drug cases. Faulkner said, with or without money, a level of integrity must be used in the administration of justice. therefore, money should not be the only factor considered when representation is being given.

Administrator of the Legal Aid Association, Marvel Taylor, said the aim is to make the work of the police and lawyers smoother.

A senior lawyer working as a legal aid course gets $60,000 in the High Court for a murder case while a junior would be paid $40,000. In a Resident Magistrate's Court, it is $20,000 and $15,000 respectively.

During the lecture, Detective Sergeant Steadman Bailey said sometimes the lawyers prevent the wheels of justice from turning. He was assured that the new direction would make it transparent for all. Deputy Superintendent Pauline Foster-Turner said the lecture was enlightening and others needed to be conducted in the division.