I write with reference to an article titled ‘Missing files still denying justice’ which appeared on Page 9 of the Sunday February 07, 2010 edition of the Stabroek News.
The author of the said article erroneously quoted me as saying that I ‘do not speak with the media’. The author failed to report that her attempts to reach me proved futile because I was at the time engaged in official business as was communicated to her by my Secretary. I am not on record of making any such statement.
Further, at no time have I denied permission to senior officials of the registry to speak with the media on this issue.
The article insinuated that the deposition of Dr Abdel Abubakar Bari and Atta Sankar disappeared because the current management of the Supreme Court Registry is not firm on securing files at the Registry.
For the record, I wish to state that the said deposition was determined to be missing prior to October 13, 2009, the date on which I was appointed Registrar (ag) of the Supreme Court of Judicature. The records in my possession reveal that an audit was conducted on or around October, 2006 and it was at that time that it was discovered that the aforesaid deposition was missing.
In light of the above, it is my polite view that journalistic ethics would dictate that media houses should refrain from publishing false, misleading and damaging articles. It is the least that is expected of responsible media houses. Further, I am of the view that Stabroek News should, apart from issuing an apology, retract and correct in its next publication the report referred to above.
BIBI SHABENA ALI (Ms.)
Registrar (ag)