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The anticipated verdict
was more about the Jamaican justice system, and how they would handle the final
disposition, including the far-reaching effect over the Caribbean in general on
celebrity justice, victims, and what statement it would have sent to the next
generation where trust is often ranked low as it relates to the criminal
justice system.
The trial was bigger than
the prosecutors, defense counsels, witnesses, law enforcement and how they
gathered and preserved evidence or the lack of communication, and proper
procedures.
It bought back memories
of the O.J.Simpson case where he was found not guilty on a double murder charge.
The trial puts the criminal justice in focus. It was a combination of how law
enforcement conducted themselves, money, celebrity, and class.
Although (Vybz Kartel case did not receive the same worldwide
notoriety such as the O.J. Simpson
case in 1995. Several in the Caribbean watched this case closely as to how
justice would be served. Quietly, to many, this public case brought back
memories of previous ones in which prior politicians, the rich and powerful
people in the region often walk away free, even when the evidence points more
than likely that a crime has occurred.
This is not to say that
all rich, famous, and powerful defendants were guilty in all previous cases.
However, as many Jamaicans waited in anticipation of the verdict, the alert for
civil disobedience and vigilante justice was high. However, the Jamaica judiciary system rose to the challenge and maintained order after the verdict.
What was even impressive, many became educated with the jury system, and how
the overall the court process works for the first and the media played an
important role.
In fact, as much as we
would like to see a balance system, in many cases, these trials outcomes
mirrors several other countries based on one’s race, sex, creed, and
color. The mandated strategies to combat crimes, and public safety should
not create a generation of hopelessness. It should ensure that when penal codes
are violated, the rule of law as written in the “Said Constitution” remain intact.
The idea of celebrity
justice is almost like farfetched idea. That has now been proven incorrectly,
and there is no doubt this verdict will be debated for months to come, and
somewhat opens a new frontier as to how this process really works.
What the verdict has
done, it has tested the Jamaican judiciary system, law enforcement procedures
and what role entertainers plays in the system, and if justice can be bought.
This verdict is more than just one man, and the impact will have a lasting
effect. On the other hand, if the government do not use this opportunity to
send a message, very soon, key departments will no longer be capable of functioning
to its fullest capacity as required to maintain public safety and a fair and
balance system, and reduce the blame game.
What could have been done
differently should be the questions from here on? Training is now
critical and if the body of government that plays a vital role in
upholding the law refuses to investigate gaps from preserving of
evidence, and ensuring that officers can conduct comprehensive
investigations from the emergency system to tracking criminals, to
redefining agility and structural deficiencies then the
public trust will still continue to decline.
I never heard of him
before this trial. However, I realized that he has a huge
following, and some might not agree with the outcome, and that is fine in any
democratic society. We cannot force anyone as to who to love. However, imagine
the impact he could have had mobilizing the next generation on to better
things. Furthermore, use his fame to promote peace, and pop-in at a local youth
club/school to encourage positive mobility. I am still optimistic that
this time justice was in the open, and not taken up in the hands of a few,
through retaliation, and further diminish public trust in the system.
About the Author
Derrick Miller holds a
Bachelor of Science degree in economics and finance, an MBA degree in global
management and a Master of Science in criminal justice & leadership. He has
been a part law enforcement/criminal justice field for over 14 years.
Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..
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