[Feedback]

[Site Map]

[Contact Us]

Need for case flow management highlighted as New Law Year opens

Contact: Julita Peter

New Law Year in Session

Wednesday, September 17, 2008 – The need to improve case flow management in OECS jurisdictions is a top agenda item for recently appointed OECS Chief Justice Hon. Hugh Rawlins. Chief Justice Rawlins made the disclosure on Monday, in a simulcast address to mark the opening of the New Law Year.

Chief Justice Rawlins highlighted several other focus areas during this law year including rules revision, technology in the court's processes and mediation. The court’s connected mediation programme, he says continues to provide a credible alternative to the traditional approach to dispute resolution, and that measures will be taken to  intensify that programme, led by regional  mediation Co-ordinator Mr. Francis Compton.

Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Justice Hugh A Rawlins

“During the new law year, we will institute a training programme for mediators in the specialized area of family mediation.  We have recognized for some time that this is an area which could benefit from mediation services.  My observation is that the court's mediation services are under utilized,” said Justice Rawlins.

Meantime the introduction of new technology in the court processes will be hyped up during the new law year.

Chief Justice Rawlins says another of his main goals for the courts of the region, is to improve the efficiency of all processes by use of technology that will eventually lead to the total reduction in the use of paper records.

“In order to enhance technological connections between the head office, the magistrates and the family courts throughout the OECS, the court has commenced the establishment of a virtual private Network (VPN) in the entire sub-region. This project is being implemented with assistance from Canadian International Development Agency project primarily in the form of procurement of the required equipment and facilitation of travel for the technical support necessary for implementation,’ he said.

During the new law year the OECS Supreme Court will also be giving attention to professionalism and professional ethics, family law reform, and the criminal division. Minister for Justice and Attorney General Senator the Hon. Dr. Nicholas Frederick was among several other persons who addressed Monday's gathering.

[ Home ] [ Up ] [Site Help]

© 2008 Government Information Service. All rights reserved.

Read our privacy guidelines.