Justice will not be compromised, Chief Justice promises

Despite the world’s economic challenges being felt by the judiciary across the region, new Chief Justice (Ag) of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Janice Perreira has made it abundantly clear that justice will not be compromised.{{more}}

In her first address as Chief Justice, at a special sitting of the High Court to mark the opening of the new law year on Tuesday, Perreira told legal practitioners that the impact of the world’s financial crisis is being felt in all member states and territories and no less so, the judiciary.

“The case load of our courts has continued to increase steadily, which in turn has led to an increase of administrative costs in the face of shrinking budgets and decreased contributions…,” Perreira said.

Perreira said the judiciary has embarked on several initiatives to improve efficiency in the face of the global financial crisis.

“The Supreme Court is committed to supporting programmes designed to enhance the public’s understanding of the law and judicial system, the role and functions of the court and the way judges rule according to law, thus keeping the community informed and confident in a system that embraces equal access to all.”

The Chief Justice said they are proposing to begin, in the coming year, an outreach program to promote court transparency.(KW)