Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has assured Barbadians that the Government will not allow warrantless wiretapping, as part of a broader package of crime-fighting legislation.
Speaking during an Address to the Nation tonight, Mottley said the controversial clause in the Interception of Communications Bill – which would have allowed certain communications to be intercepted without a judge’s warrant – will be removed when the bill goes to the Senate.
“Let me be crystal clear. This is not a free-for-all and this is not a minister’s toy. No politician can grant a warrant. Only the chief justice or a judge specifically assigned by him can authorise an interception,” Mottley explained.
“The warrant is time-bound. Irrelevant material gathered must be destroyed. There is an independent monitoring mechanism appointed by the president of Barbados to oversee how the power is used.”
She added that all evidence will face scrutiny in open court.
The bill is part of five measures currently before Parliament, including the Criminal Proceedings Bill, Police Amendment Bill, Firearms Amendment Bill, and the Juries Bill, aimed at tackling organised crime, illegal guns, and criminal networks.
A slight amendment to the Firearms Bill is also planned.
Mottley said the reforms followed wide consultation with the Social Partnership, the Social Justice Committee and the Advisory Council on Citizen Security.
“Rights are not to be a casualty of safety, and safety cannot be a casualty of inaction,” the Prime Minister said, noting the Government’s commitment to balancing citizen protection with respect for democratic oversight. (AM)
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