Barbados Government blames Myrie’s lawyers for delay

Debbie-Ann Wright, Assistant News Editor

The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre



A newspaper report out of Barbados has quoted a senior government official as blaming lawyers, representing Shanique Myrie, for the delay in dealing with the case.



Myrie claims she was detained for hours and subjected to derogatory cavity searches on March 14 at the Grantley Adams International Airport.



The lawyers have complained about Barbados’ delay in allowing Myrie to return to that country and identify those whom she has accused of violating her privacy.



However, the Barbados Nation newspaper said the Barbados government has placed the blame on Myrie’s lawyers, saying they have attempted to block her from being questioned.



According to the news report, the government is willing to have Myrie return to identify her attackers, but is insisting that the authorities also be allowed to question Myrie.



The Barbados Nation’s report has suggested that this is the reason for the current impasse.



Meanwhile, Shanique Myrie’s lawyer, Anthony Hylton has dismissed the claims by the Barbados government, describing the case as a deliberate mischaracterisation of the facts.



He said the Barbados government is yet to make a formal response to letters from the Jamaica’s ministry of foreign affairs, the attorney general’s Chambers and his law firm.



Hylton noted he has received no request from the Barbados government for Shanique Myrie to be questioned.



debbie-ann.wright@gleanerjm.com