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By Antigua Surf
Recent developments in our justice system have sparked growing concerns over the apparent disparity in how certain individuals are treated under the law.
The case of Kelvin Sundar, who was swiftly remanded to prison for allegedly robbing a mini mart, has raised questions about how different crimes are being treated.
While robbery is indeed a serious offense, what is even more disturbing is how it contrasts with the treatment of Angela Mejia, who has admitted to the abduction, murder and disposal of 9-year-old Chantel Crump—yet she appears to be receiving protection from the state.
In Kelvin’s case, the legal process was quick, and the accused faced immediate incarceration. However, when we look at the case of Angela, who is accused of such severe crimes—kidnapping and murdering a young child—her case seems to be handled with far more leniency.
Despite the gravity of her alleged actions, she has not faced the same level of scrutiny or consequences as Kelvin, leaving many to wonder why.
While Kelvin was just thrown to the dogs like the remains of a ham bone, Angela is being held in isolation, being protected from not only the prisoners but the prison officers who cannot take a good look at her.
This matter raises serious questions: Why are those accused of more horrific crimes not facing the same urgency or severity in their prosecution? Is the justice system truly applying the law equally, or are some individuals shielded from the full extent of the law due to factors unknown to the public? The situation is concerning, to say the least.
Even more troubling is the message this sends to the public: that some people may be protected or afforded more favorable treatment while others face the harshest penalties, depending on the nature of their crime or other unknown factors. This selective application of justice undermines public confidence in the fairness and integrity of our legal system.
As a society, we must demand transparency, fairness, and accountability from our justice system. The law should be applied impartially, ensuring that everyone is held accountable based on the seriousness of their actions.
Sincerely,
Antigua Surf
The justice system in Antigua appears to be failing the very people it is meant to protect. Lawyers, who should be upholding the principles of justice, seem more concerned with financial gain than ensuring fairness. Many fight vigorously to keep criminals within society because their livelihood depends on ongoing legal battles. This creates a system where justice is secondary to profit, leaving victims feeling abandoned and criminals emboldened.
Furthermore, there is a troubling perception that magistrates and judges are not acting independently. Instead of impartial decision-making, it is believed that they work in cohorts to serve injustice before cases even reach the courtroom. If benefits and favors are exchanged before proceedings, then true justice becomes impossible. This erodes public trust in the legal system and leaves many citizens questioning whether fairness can ever be achieved.
For Antigua to move forward, systemic reform is necessary. Transparency in legal proceedings, stricter oversight of judicial conduct, and stronger advocacy for victims’ rights must become priorities. Justice should never be determined by financial influence or personal connections. The people of Antigua deserve a system that serves and protects them, not one that benefits those with power at the expense of the vulnerable.
Terri London, Community Activist for St Mary’s North
I don’t know what’s happening in Antigua, everything is going very badly.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. What else you expected the authorities to do. The public would kill her. Even prison officers were given time away because of Angela. If she wasnt in protective custody that woman would be dead longtime.
Does she deserve to be alive? Understand my point here. She killed a child, why protect her? she should be dead. But look at how fast this man was charged.. and they are waiting until June to see her in court
SMH. Remand is not a sentence
No comparisons here. Stop trying to stir up trouble. Bottom line: Arrest them try them, incarcerate them/hang them and where feasible, repatriate what’s left of them. Simple formula!
A little louder please, so the idiot who wrote this nonsense can hear
It’s going downhill quite quickly. And it is going to get worse.
Two entirely different cases, two entirely different procedure.. don’t mix them up..