Basseterre, St. Kitts (October 27, 2005): The recently opened Legal Aid and Advice Center has as its target-customers persons who are of low and modest income.
According to Acting Director of the Center Attorney Donna Harris, persons without the financial means often have no legal representation for their court cases which usually results in adjournments. It was found that the marginalized includes women, the elderly and juveniles and the Centre will assist those whose income is approximately $250 per week or $1,000 per month.
Personal injury matters are among law matters that would be of chief concern at the center. She used the example of someone being in a traffic accident in which they were injured, if unable to pay the private legal fees, they often turn up to court unattended. Ms. Harris explained that such persons can receive help at the Legal Centre.
Other priority matters that will be dealt with at the center include maintenance which involves child support and access to the child, landlord and tenant matters inclusive of the haphazard raising of rent without notice. The center will also prioritize employment issues such as the appropriate procedure for job termination including severance and holiday pay, succession matters inclusive of what can be done when a person dies without leaving a will as well as juvenile matters which include simple assault and battery.
The full interview will be aired on a future St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service Update programme.
