Proposed Communication Interception Bill will contain safeguards says AG Nisbett

Attorney General Patrice Nisbett

ST. KITTS, AUGUST 18TH 2010 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Hon. Patrice Nisbett has expressed confidence that the proposed Interception of Communication Bill contained built in safeguards to prevent abuse and also protect political freedoms.

Mr. Nisbett told WINNFM in an interview that the way the legislation is drafted, the judiciary is the one that ultimately makes the decision on the matter.

The Interception of Communication Bill create a single legal framework within which the interception of communications on private and public networks would be responsibly authorised by a High Court Judge.

“This would be done we think, based upon the legislation in a very controlled manner and in a manner that would command some level of confidence from the general public,” said Mr. Nisbett.

He said the new legislation was broader than similar existing legislation such as the anti-terrorism Act of 2002.

“The Anti-terrorism Act dealt specifically with offences in relation to terrorism but under this particular legislation based upon the schedule of offences under which one can do an interception of communication it is much broader and wider. It now includes capital offences and non-capital offences said the Attorney General.