Dr. Venus Cherry Takes Issue With The Judicial System

Amid what appears to be a growing national concern that penalties for gun crimes are not tough enough, Community activist Dr. Venus Cherry has disclosed that he constantly questions the efficiency of Saint Lucia’s judicial system. Reacting to the recent shooting death of 13-year-old Melchizedek Tixcy, Cherry told St. Lucia Times that the tragedy highlighted the proliferation of and easy access to illegal guns in this country. Cherry questioned what the authorities were doing about the situation, including bail for illegal gun and ammunition possession. “How do these guys get bail to back out on the streets right away? Automatic rifle? And they make bail for 15-20 thousand dollars? Do we not understand how much money is in drugs and guns? 20thousand dollars for these guys is like me having 100 dollars. It’s available to them, their friends, their family, their bosses will come and pay it!” Cherry asserted. He said allowing offenders out on bail so easily is hurting the families of their victims. According to him, the level of bail the court imposes is not enough of a deterrent to criminals. “Some people say stiffer penalties are not going to help. But wait, if stiffer penalties is 20...