A magistrate’s ruling on Friday could soon pave the way for five men accused of drug trafficking to be extradited to the United States to face trial.
Defence attorneys for Earl “Bob” Hodge, Roberto “Tico” Harrigan, Chad Skelton, Carlston Beazer and Juan Valdez had argued during a Feb. 8 extradition hearing that Virgin Islands officials made a “serious mistake” in processing requests from the US to extradite their clients. Specifically, Julian Knowles, QC, an attorney for Mr. Hodge, argued that because Governor Boyd McCleary issued the “authority to proceed” with the hearing in accordance with the 1989 Extradition Act and not the 1870 Extradition Act, the request was fatally flawed, the attorney claimed.
But Terrence Williams, the territory’s former director of public prosecutions, argued Monday that the 1989 law did apply because it repealed aspects of the 1870 law and included similar provisions.
“The purpose of the 1989 act was to consolidate all of these pieces of legislation into one act,” he said.
Senior Magistrate Valerie Stephens said that after reviewing both extradition acts she agreed with Mr. Williams.
“I’m satisfied that we are operating under the correct legislation,” the magistrate said.
The hearing is to continue on March 13.
See the March 1, 2012 edition for full coverage.