Witnesses should feel much safer if proposed video-link legislation announced by Prime Minister Bruce Golding in Parliament is implemented, according to Crime Stop head Peter John Thwaites.

Thwaites suggested yesterday that the legislation, which would allow witnesses to give testimony by video link, would allow them to not feel intimidated by family members and friends of the accused in a courtroom.

"Certainly, if I could be in a more secure location and not feel intimidated, I would be willing to give evidence," he said.

Thwaites said the possibility of witnesses being killed by people close to the accused is much higher if they are subjected to giving evidence in court.

"People will come forward to give evidence as long as they feel more secure and the system is well managed and free from corruption."

At a Gleaner Editors' forum in June, some attorneys who practise at the private Bar expressed reservations about the plans to allow evidence to be given by video.