Buncum et al granted stay of execution

 By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ALTHOUGH applications for leave to extend time were dismissed, a stay of execution was granted for Romeo ‘Buncum’ Cannonier, Rudeney ‘Denny’ Williams, Louis ‘Tooloo’ Gardner and Sheldon ‘Hatcher’ Isaac by the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal.

The four men were brought before the court yesterday having been convicted and sentenced to death for the March 21, 2005 murder of Gavin ‘Magilla’ Gilbert. Sentence was passed on July 15, 2008.

The applications made by Jason Hamilton, who represents Williams; Reginald W. James, who represents both Isaac and Cannonier; and Hesketh Benjamin, who represents Gardner; were for the court to allow for an extension of time in which they have to file an appeal to that court.

The advanced argument was that when applications to appeal were filed, counsel was told that the time as prescribed by law (14 days) had expired, thus the decision was taken to apply for “leave to extend time”. 

The lawyers indicated they were told that a written copy of the judgment given at the High Court of Justice would be forwarded to them. They further indicated that they did not receive this document until nearing the ending of July 2008, which is when applications to appeal were filed.

The Justices of Appeal ruled that the application to extend time be dismissed but a stay of execution until November 28, 2008 relative to all appellants was ordered, which states that the death sentence imposed by the High Court cannot be carried out until the time has elapsed.