'Payment for lawyers of cops in 'death squad' cases being addressed'

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck has given the assurance that legal fees owed to lawyers for police personnel facing murder charges arising from the so-called death squad cases will be settled within the next week.

The cases, which involve about nine policemen, have stalled in the courts as the attorneys insist that they be paid.

National security minister Robert Montague was questioned about the payments during yesterday's meeting of Parliament's standing finance committee.

He said the government was contemplating retaining a panel of lawyers to help cops in their legal defence.

He also revealed that the Cabinet has agreed to settle the current fees.

Chuck confirmed that he is to meet with the lawyers on the matter.

Norman Godfrey, the attorney representing Constable Collis 'Chucky' Brown in his second murder trial, revealed in court recently, that he has not been paid for the first case.

Brown was found not guilty of murder and wounding with intent in the first trial, which ended last year.

The Ministry of National Security, through its Legal Defense Fund, provides assistance for cops facing criminal charges arising from incidents that occur in the line of duty.