Douglas Frederick Sworn In As Judge Of Barbados’ Newly Established Gun Court

Douglas Frederick, sworn in as one of the first judges of Barbados’ new gun court, said modern court technology and faster police file delivery are essential to cutting delays and protecting public confidence. He said the court’s success will depend on agencies improving efficiency as firearms cases move through the system.

Barbados’ first of two new Gun Courts will start hearing firearm cases within days, Minister of Legal Affairs and Criminal Justice Michael Lashley said. Douglas Frederick has been appointed to serve as judge for three years, with one court handling the backlog and the other hearing firearm charges from January, part of efforts to speed up gun cases and curb gun crime.

Douglas Frederick has been appointed for a three-year term as a judge in one of Barbados’ new Gun Courts and was sworn in by President Jeffrey Bostic at State House. The former Chief Magistrate said the reforms are an important step toward greater justice, while urging faster file delivery from agencies such as the Barbados Police Service to improve court efficiency.