New Law Term for E.C. Supreme Court Opens

Contact: Primus J. Hutchinson

Tuesday, September 19, 2000 - Members of the Legal Fraternity convened at the First District High Court Monday for a special sitting of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court to mark the opening of the New Law Term.

Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Sir Denis Byron in his address to members of the Legal Profession, directed their attention to the many concerns being expressed by the general public. Justice Byron called for greater consideration to be given to these concerns, which include excessive cost of litigation, delays in the quality of service, access to justice and the inability not to get representation in certain type of cases.

The Supreme Court Judge lamented the number of category of grievances not heard by the Courts, the lack of transparent complaints procedures, to address incidents of intolerance, rudeness, inefficiency and unethical practices. " They have also complained about the inability to get information that is comprehensible to them, and this includes basic information about their own litigation which they are financing out of their own pockets," said Sir Denis.

Justice Byron noted that the Court is not and should not be unaffected by such complaints and reminded the Judiciary of its responsibility to find and implement measures to address those concerns.

Minister for Legal Affairs, the Honourable Velon John described the functions of the Judicial Reform Committee as the way forward in attaining sustained improvements and developments in the delivery of justice. The Minister called for total acceptance of the changes to the judicial system.

Mr. John anticipates that with those changes, the delivery of justice will be practicable, sensible and executed in the manner that will be satisfying to all. The Legal Affairs Minister expressed optimism that this new Law Term will augur well for the legal institutions and redound to the benefits of the people.

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Search for 2000 Press Releases ] [Site Help]

© 2001 Government Information Service. All rights reserved.

Read our privacy guidelines.