BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - AS the new law term commences, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is promising to maintain its integrity and efficiency despite the numerous challenges it faces.
Speaking under the theme: "Improving efficiency and integrity in the administration of justice in times of economic adversity", Acting Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Janice Pereira said in her address that despite the economic downturn which has affected the judiciary of the ECSC in the midst of increased case loads, high administrative costs and shrinking budget, integrity and efficiency will be maintained.
"The impact of the economic downturn is being felt in all our member states and territories and no less so, on the judiciary. The case load of our courts has continued to increase steadily which in turn had led to increased administrative costs in the face of shrinking budgets and decreased contributions.
"However the judiciary of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court although faced with resultant challenges, one of which is the absence of the optimum quota of judges, will continue to maintain its efficiency with the available resources," her Ladyship said.
The Chief Justice emphasized that the quality of justice will not be compromised, even in "these harsh and difficult economic times", noting that the judiciary has embarked on several initiatives to help improve efficiency in the face of the world-wide economic adversity which has impacted the member states and territories.
Naming the ECSC's website www.eccourts.org as one such initiative, Chief Justice Periera said that that it is just one measure to ensure that each citizen is able to acquire the necessary knowledge, understanding, awareness and ability to exercise his/her right to justice be it through formal or informal institutions.
She noted that public education and community outreach are crucial factors as the ECSC seeks to facilitate the spread of knowledge, understanding, and awareness, and stated that information about the Court should always be accessible and pertinent.
She said that the website provides access to judgments of the High Court and the Court of Appeal as well as access to decisions from the Privy Council. She further informed that the website also provides relevant Court forms, the Civil Procedure rules 2000 and its recent amendments, practice directions, sittings of the various Courts and digest of all matters heard by the Court of Appeal.
Chief Justice Periera also unveiled plans to advance the ECSC community outreach initiative as a means of improving the public's education on the work of the judiciary.
"As the judiciary seeks to promote efficiency and integrity and maintain the trust and confidence of the people of our region, the ECSC is committed to initiating, supporting and participating in programmes designed to enhance the public's understanding of the law and judicial system, the role and functions of the Courts and the way judges rule according to law thus keeping the community informed and confident in a system that is strewn with equity and embraces equal access to all.
"As a result, we are proposing in the coming year to commence an outreach programme to promote court transparency. It is intended that this initiative include educational programmes for schools, media, and council, using forums such as television features, radio interviews, newspaper articles, judges’ discussions and conferences.
"It is also proposed to have bulletins as necessary published on our website all in an effort to continue improving access to justice and maintaining confidence in the judiciary," she explained.
Matters of the Court's structure, salaries of magistrates, application of technology for files and documents were addressed as plans to be implemented by the ECSC.
The new law term opened with a Church service held at the St. George’s Anglican Church on Tuesday morning which was attended by members of the legal fraternity as well as members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
Following this event, the legal team marched to the sounds of the Defence Force Marching Band from the church along Cayon Street towards the Lee Llewellyn Moore Judicial and Legal Services Complex where the Special Sitting to open the new law term was held.
Chief Justice Periera's address was carried live via video conference from the High Court of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to all territories of the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
