China And Barbados Sign Extradition Treaty

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Mar. 23, (CMC) – Barbados and China, today, signed two treaties, aimed at assisting each other in investigating criminal matters and bringing fugitives to justice.

Acting Attorney General, Michael Lashley, signed the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty, as well as an Extradition Treaty, with China’s Vice Foreign Minister, Wang Chao.

Lashley said, that the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty would enable both countries to receive assistance, in terms of investigations, prosecutions and other proceedings related to criminal matters.

He added, the extradition treaty would allow for more effective cooperation between the countries, in the suppression of crime, on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty and equality.

“The government of Barbados is pleased to be a signatory to these treaties, since they provide additional avenues for intelligence gathering at a time of widespread transnational crime, including financial crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and smuggling.

“In these circumstances, it is necessary to build partnerships for information-sharing and other forms of cooperation, as we seek to improve our ability to respond to these global challenges.

“The activation of these treaties will add value to the law enforcement milieu and help to strengthen investigative capacities and capabilities,” he added.

Chao said, that the treaties were yet another signal that Barbados and China maintained close relations and the ability to collaborate on important issues.

He further lauded law enforcement in this country for assistance in the recent apprehension of two Chinese fugitives, who had been on the run in the Caribbean and were eventually recaptured in St. Vincent.