AfriKa CRY BLOOD

A QUALITY BUILDING does not guarantee quality justice, says Independent Member of Parliament Hamilton Lashley.

Speaking yesterday during debate in the House of Assembly on a $10 million resolution to furnish the Halls of Justice building on Whitepark Road, The City, Lashley said this magnificent building should also reflect the quality of justice in this country.

He said in most cases, poor people got a bad deal in the justice system, with many accused and eventually convicted persons claiming to have been beaten by the police and forced to sign confession statements. (more…)

ATTORNEY-GENERAL Freundel Stuart says he will not do anything to undermine public confidence in the police force or the coroner.

He said he had “faith” in the Coroner’s Office which would begin its inquest into the death of I’Akobi Maloney on November 10.

Stuart, who was speaking during a $10 million resolution that would go towards some finishing touches for the Judicial Centre on Whitepark Road, made his position clear yesterday in the House of Assembly after the issue of the relationship between the police and the community was raised by the Member of Parliament for St Michael South-East, Hamilton Lashley. (more…)

by PHILLIPPE AIMEY

The Justice Committee announced yesterday that it has accumulated more than 5,000 signatures in support of its call for an independent investigation into the death of former I’Akobi Maloney.

Assisting the lobby group was Independent parliamentarian Hamilton Lashley who gathered more than 500 signatures from residents in The Pine and Wildey areas which he represents in the House of Assembly.

Lashley handed over the signatures following his arrival at Parliament yesterday to loud cheers from over 30 of the lobby group’s members who adorned him with ‘red, gold and green’ scarf, similar to the one he wore during the budget debate in July.

“I want people to know that this is not just names on paper,” Lashley said, “it has value that lends support to one of the most serious matters in the history of Barbados. (more…)

Video courtesy Bongo Lights Video Productions.

by Mr. Cummings (Secretary - Hamilton Lashley M.P.)

At an emancipation ceremony held on August 8, 2008, I’Akobi Tacuma Maloney was awarded posthumously as a positive role model for the youth and for his outstanding work in the country and community. Margaret Maloney, mother of I’Akobi, received the award on his behalf from Mr. Hamilton Lashley M.P.

Among those awarded for their emancipatory contributions to the Pan-Afrikan movement included David Comissiong, Buddy Larrier, Olutoye Walrond, Trevor Prescod and Elombe Mottley. Throughout the proceedings, high accolades were sent to the Justice Committee for the work it was pursuing.

Mr. Lashley said that he would further support the efforts of the Committee by soliciting signatures from his constituency for the petition. The ceremony at the Meadow Road Pavilion in Wildey, St. Michael was well attended and proved to be an impactful close of the 2008 Season of Emancipation.

by PCA (www.nationnews.com)

THE DEATH OF I’AKOBI TACUMA MALONEY was raised twice in the House of Parliament on Wednesday when the Budget Debate continued.

Concern came from both sides of the House, with Opposition MP Hamilton Lashley and Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Care, Patrick Todd, commenting on the death of the former Arawak Cement Plant engineer.

Lashley again wore a scarf with the Rastafari colours of red, gold and green in memory of Maloney and during his 30-minute address, said he was dedicating the three Budget days to the 23-year-old who he said “disappeared from life in mysterious circumstances”.

Police said Maloney jumped to his death (more…)

by Philippe Aimey (www.nationnews.com)

The committee set up on June 30, states on its website that it intends to clear the name of Maloney from any involvement with drugs, among a wider mandate that deals with the right of Rastafari people.

There is also a petition on the committee’s website, which can be signed online, or tributes sent in.

Yesterday, in Bridgetown, under the watchful eye of police, family and friends of Maloney marched with placards to raise public awareness. (more…)

by Tim Slinger & PCA (www.nationnews.com)

“THERE’S ABSOLUTELY NO EVIDENCE to suggest any foul play in the death of I’Akobi Tacuma Maloney.”

That’s the word from police crime chief Assistant Commissioner of Police Seymour Cumberbatch, who also disclosed that investigations suggested that the 23-year-old man was going through a state of depression when he reportedly ran and jumped off a cliff at The Land Lock, Cove Bay, St Lucy, on June 17. (more…)

by Yvette Best (www.nationnews.com)

A SENIOR PARLIAMENTARIAN is calling for an inquiry into the death of 23-year-old I’Akobi Tacuma Maloney, who allegedly jumped off a cliff at Land Locks, near Cove Bay, St Lucy, two weeks ago.

Hamilton Lashley, Member of Parliament for St Michael South East, told the WEEKEND NATION he would be using all his powers as an MP to get to the bottom of the issue.

“I’m calling for an urgent investigation by the Commissioner of Police and I’m hoping the Attorney-General will use his office to investigate the death of this young man,” he stated. (more…)