May 13, 2023

Opposition Leader Writes To CARICOM On Brent Thomas Matter

By Newsroom

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has written to CARICOM Secretary General Dr Carla Barnet, calling on the regional body to add its input into the case of local firearms dealer, Brent Thomas.

Thomas, a Trinidad and Tobago firearms dealer, was detained by Barbados police last October and subsequently handed over to T&T police at the Grantley Adams International Airport to be repatriated- a High Court later ruled that the scenario was an “abduction”.

Describing the scenario as an “extra-judicial exercise of coercive powers by the law enforcement agencies of both nations”, Persad-Bissessar said in her letter to the CARICOM Secretary General: “CARICOM must be engaged in examining this matter and comment on the implications of such unprecedented actions for the region. We need your guidance on a policy framework that supports the rule of law, respects the sovereignty of our independent nations while ensuring public and citizen safety and respect for their constitutional rights.”

She added: “Of particular interest is that no extradition request was initiated by the authorities in Trinidad and Tobago for Mr Thomas; prompting Mr Marshall to acknowledge that the Barbados Police Service have fallen short of applicable legal norms.”

The letter comes on the heels of Persad-Bissessar writing to Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley on the issue, calling for an inquiry.

That action was criticized by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, who dismissed the Opposition Leader’s actions as “wholly unnecessary and and out of place intrusion”. 

In response, Persad-Bissessar defended her action, saying she was acting in the interest of both T&T and Barbadian citizens. 

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