August 7th, 2015 -- St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris, stressed the importance of the judiciary in the protection of democracy and the provision of a stable environment for economic growth, job creation and prosperity, during a recent address to a high conference of judges and other judicial officers who are engaged in the administration of justice in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and beyond.
“I welcome you in the firm knowledge that the judicial branch is a guardian and enforcer of those fundamental principles enshrined in our democracy. I welcome you too cognisant of the contribution that the judiciary makes to the socio-economic development of our countries”, said the Prime Minister.
To emphasize the critical role the judiciary plays in society, PM Harris referenced a contribution by Cynthia Clement in a 1998 Inter-American Development Bank report. “Effective administration of the justice sector protects property rights and widens the range of transactions and investments economic actors are willing to undertake. People, including owners of small businesses, shareholders in large corporations and even poor people with only their time and personal property as assets, look to the law, the courts, and the police for definition of their property rights and the protection of those rights from infringement by others. If people can expect that the justice sector will resolve disputes in a neutral, quick and inexpensive manner, investments and business transactions are less risky and less costly.”
PM Harris gave fervent support to the theme and objective of this year’s conference and recounted the recent experience of St. Kitts and Nevis prior to the February 16, 2015 conclusive election of Team Unity to office and the critical role the judiciary played in protecting the fundamental right of the people to choose their own path in pursuit of liberty and happiness. “Our people look to the Court for justice whether in a criminal or civil matter or in a constitutional matter where the rights of the citizenry or some fundamental issue may be at stake.
Team Unity will remember the many controversial cases like the Motion of No Confidence (MONC), Senators’ Bill and the Boundaries for which we sought the good offices of the Courts to deliver justice. My government then will be on the vanguard for justice for all. For the citizens who have lost loved ones to the savagery of criminals, we promise justice. For those threatened for participating in the judicial process in any form, we promise that we will use all resources of the state to pursue justice, for justice is the lubricant for a civilized and democratic society.”
The Annual Judicial Conference was held this year at the St. Kitts Marriott under the theme “Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean.”
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