Mock Criminal Trial

The first Mock Criminal Trial, hosted by the Organizational Committee for the 40th Anniversary of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court was held at the House of Assembly on Friday, 17th November, 2006. The event was such a success that organizers anticipate that it could become an annual event.

The participants in the trial were members of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, acting for the Prosecution and sixth form students from the Albena Lake Hodge-Comprehensive School, acting for the Defence. The evening was stimulating and engaging as both teams passionately argued for their side.

A cross-section of the public willingly acted as jurors and witnesses in the trial and all took their roles quite seriously. The participants were judged on their performance by a panel of three judges: Honourable Madam Justice George-Creque, Ms. Joyce Kentish and Mr. Dwayne Adams. The judges were impressed with the performance and commended both teams to continue the trend. In fact, Ms. Kentish commented that she felt as if she were drawn into the courtroom for the hearing of an actual murder trial. The judges hoped that this would be first of many more mock trials in Anguilla. Mr. Thomas Astaphan presided over the proceedings as Chief Justice injecting both an informative and educational spin on the proceedings in guiding the “attorneys” while adding a good dash his humour and keeping the audience entertained. Overall, the Defence team was adjudged best performance and the jurors, after their deliberation returned a not guilty verdict.

The Committee extends sincerest gratitude for the support of all the participants, the audience, the general public and the media. Congratulations also to the following team members: Prosecution – Ian Chase, Maurice Bryson, Bernadette Carbon and Geresa Clarke and Defence – Amethyst Davis, Alexander Orchard, Tirichimir Gumbs, Rochelle Rogers and Sangrena Harris.

The participants were coached by Clyde Williams, K. Christopher Laing, Vernette Richardson and Dawn Richardson.

All the participants were awarded a certificate of participation signed by the Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Honourable Brian George Keith Alleyne, S.C.

The next activity being embarked upon by the committee is an inter-school essay competition and including the primary and secondary schools. Details will be provided in subsequent notices.