Lawyers representing the Crown in Anguilla can now appear in criminal matters before the court by video link.
This has come about by the Magistrate’s Code of Procedure (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 2020, which was passed in the Anguilla House of Assembly on Tuesday, December 1.
The legislation was introduced by Attorney General, Mr. Dwight Horsford. It allows counsel for the prosecution to appear via live video link in criminal proceedings, particularly in the Magistrate’s Court, during preliminary inquiries. The Attorney General explained that the Act was previously amended to allow counsel for the defence to appear before the court via live video link.
The previous amendment to the Act on October 6 this year, also provided for witnesses, living outside of Anguilla, to provide evidence at preliminary inquiries in the Magistrate’s Court through video link facilities. This, however, does not apply to accused persons. They are required to appear in person before the court to answer criminal charges against them.
Other matters before the Tuesday’s House of Assembly meeting included the first readings of the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2020; a Bill for Economic Residence (Amendment) (No. 2 ) Act, 2020; a Bill for Select Anguilla Agency (Amendment) (No.2) Act, 2020; a Bill for Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act, 2020; and a Bill for Financial Unit Act, 2020.
The Speaker, Mrs. Barbara Webster-Bourne, requested the Government of Anguilla to ensure that the Bills were taken to public consultation before their presentation in the House of Assembly.
