Acting Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Mrs. Janice Pereira on Tuesday (18th September), indicated that the impact of the economic downturn is being felt in all the member states and territories, and no less so on the judiciary. The case load of the court has continued to increase steadily, which has led to increase administrative costs in the face of a shrinking budget and decrease in contributions.
The Chief Justice however guaranteed that the quality of justice will not be confined, even in these harsh and economic times, and so the judiciary has embarked on several initiatives to help improve its efficiency, in the face of the worldwide economic adversity which had impacted the member states and territories.
Efficiency and integrity she said are engrained in the mission of the Eastern Caribbean Court which is “To serve its Member States by providing access to a system of justice that is accountable and independent, and administered by officers in a prompt, fair, efficient and effective manner.”
Pereira added that in relation to the access to justice, it is guaranteed that each citizen would be able to acquire the necessary knowledge, understanding, awareness, and ability to exercise his or her rights, through formal as well as informal institutions.
The public she said is a crucial factor as they seek to facilitate that knowledge, understanding and awareness.
The Chief Justice renewed these commitments on Tuesday morning (18th September, 2012) when she addressed members of the judiciary of the OECS and senior government leaders, during a ceremony hosted in St. Vincent to signal the official opening of the new law year.
The ceremony was carried live throughout the OECS via video broadcast hosted at various court locations in each territory.