Navi Pillay, the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner who was just in Barbados, while impressed with the record of Barbados in relation to other Caribbean territories sees much room for improvement, among them her shock at the continued incarceration of Raul Garcia despite his sentence fulfilled with Barbados’ penal system.

At a Press Conference in Hastings, Christ Church, the former International Judge lamented also how Barbados is yet to file a Report on the Rights of the Child despite such a request was made 12 years ago. When the floor was open for questions, Bajan Reporter was first out the gates asking what is the status concerning Raúl Garcia and what is recommendation in her capacity as a global vanguard for Human Rights?

She said she only just learned of the prolonged sentence from the Chief Justice, Marston Gibson, and in her view Mr Garcia should be allowed freedom on his own recognizance while his Immigration status is finalised. The fact he continues to remain behind bars despite his full sentence having long been completed is utterly reprehensible. She says there are too many instances where Barbados has been tardy in administering Justice once accorded by local Courts.

The Commissioner vowed to issue a formal letter calling for Garcia’s immediate release on her return to base, she told a cortege of Barbadian Media. Ms Pillay also says she plans to set up a post in Barbados of Human Rights Advisor at the UN’s Hastings outpost, so as to have a closer pulse on what happens in the Caribbean.

The envoy is amazed at what is allowed to escape purview merely for the banner of Tourism, and what is claimed to visitors is not so in reality – which is how pregnant teenagers are expelled from secondary institutions, if this does not happen then can principals across Barbados provide an official document where this does not happen and are they willing to prove this contention? She is also astounded how Corporal Punishment is not only still alive but continue to be condoned in the laws of Barbados.

In her view, no wonder rape is still commonplace in Barbados.

Further afield, she remains outraged at the tragedy of Florida teenager Travyon Martin – she says this is a travesty against both Citizen Security and Rights of the Child. Commissioner Pillay wants an investigation, trial and prosecution of the armed Neighborhood Watch volunteer who took the teen’s life. Ms Pillay also expects full reparation be made to the surviving family.