Date Posted: October 09, 2008.

(The Valley, Anguilla -Press Release From The Anguilla Bar Association)  The Anguilla Bar Association, in separate letters sent today, appealed to the Governor and the Chief Minister to answer the people’s calls for immediate action to restore peace and order in Her Majesty’s prison and in Anguilla society generally.

This appeal for action follows an undertaking given to the Court and to the Church, when Vice-President Mrs. Josephine Gumbs-Connor addressed the Court at the commencement of the new Law Year 2008/2009 on the urgent need to protect prison officers and citizens threatened by gang rivalry.

The letters noted that the increase in criminal gang culture in Anguilla is present not only on the streets but also within the prison system and that an atmosphere of fear and hostility has been created in Anguilla society. According to reports received through the Courts, prison officials and legal practitioners, the court system is in a state of paralysis and has resulted in the proper administration of justice being severely handicapped.

The Bar Association urged His Excellency the Governor of Anguilla, Mr. Andrew George, responsible as the Representative of the British Government in his role as overall head of the prison, to take the necessary steps to restore order and discipline in Anguilla and in our prison.

The letter to the Chief Minister, Mr. Osbourne Fleming, called for immediate action to bring an end to the increasing unrest, and follows a motion made by a private member of the Bar and nominated member of the House to take action against the increasing violence in Anguilla. It was pointed out that despite repeated calls for urgent Government action to restore stability and faith in our political and judicial system, the Anguilla community has yet to see any tangible movement towards a resolution of this growing problem.

The Anguilla Bar Association offered their full support and resources, and have written that they are committed to working together with the Government to bring an end to this unsatisfactory state of affairs.