BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE dispensation of justice is expected to be more effective and efficient now that a second high court has opened in St. Kitts.
The facility, which is housed in the Sir. Lee Llewellyn Moore Judicial and Legal Services Complex, Basseterre, was officially opened this morning (Mar. 13) with a ceremony attended by members of the legal fraternity, government officials and others.
While speaking at the opening, Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Dame Janice Pereira, said, with the addition of a second court, the possibility of having year-round court sessions could become a reality.
“In my address at a commencement of this current law year, I spoke of the many constraints and other factors which impact either positively or adversely on access to justice. I made the point that access to justice also requires the provision of adequate facilities and personnel which will enhance the ability to more quickly undertake the hearing of criminal matters as well as civil matters.
“…With that provision of this second court facility, the people of St. Christopher in particular will be able to enjoy year-round criminal sessions as well as year-round civil sessions as both high courts will be operating on the same legal calendar.”
Justice Pereira said she has been assured that the new facility has been outfitted with the equipment needed for it to function as a modern court.
“An additional judicial officer will shortly be assigned to conduct trials and other hearings in this new facility. Additionally, I am assured that all necessary staffing and court equipment are virtually in place. Thus, for all intents and purposes, this new additional court facility is ready for business, complete with all equipment for the use of modern technology, including hearings by video and teleconference. In every respect, it is intended to be a model modern court.”
She congratulated the Government of St. Christopher and Nevis for its appreciation of the important function of the judiciary as the “bedrock of our democracies and indeed our economies”.
Commendation was also given to Attorney General the Hon. Vincent Byron who, according to Justice Pereira, “has worked tirelessly seemingly himself attending to every minute detail and for keeping fully abreast of the progress of works”.
Remarks were also given by resident judge His Lordship the Hon. Trevor Ward Q.C. and Attorney General the Hon. Byron.
The latter expressed that the Government is proud to be able to deliver on this promise made during the 2015 Elections campaign. He said the second court – which would assist in the prompt and efficient dispensing of matters, is fitted with a number of technological capabilities including the electronic display of evidence.
The moment of official opening of the facility was marked by the cutting of the ribbon by Chief Justice Pereira, Governor General His Excellency Tapley Seaton and Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris.
