The capacity of the Attorney General’s Chambers has been enhanced, Saint Lucia’s Attorney General said recently, as he addressed the opening ceremony of the Law year 2018/2019 under the theme “Challenges, Opportunities and Resilience: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court paving the way to a modern efficient Judiciary for the Region.”

Attorney General Stephen Julien said while the challenges faced by the judiciary in the region are many, the chamber is attuned to these needs and stands ready to make adjustments that will foster the advancement of the cause of justice.

He expressed gratitude to the judges, administrative staff and court officials for their dedication, despite the less than ideal court facilities in which they operate.

“It is with some great measure of regret that it appears that every year there is a promise of proper accommodation for the court,” he said. “While the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court is an itinerant court, it cannot be seen as a perambulator where its offices are concerned. Without it, justice may appear absent from the state and if it remains unaddressed for too long, we run the risk of it becoming etched in the minds of the people that this is the new normal.

“It is for this reason that the executive is committed towards finally erecting a structure to serve as the home of the judiciary and where citizens may come to settle their disputes in a modern way, ever cognizant that the judiciary stands as the sentinel of our democracy.”

Mr. Julien added that the country embraces fully the shift to e-litigation explaining that the move will be of significant benefit to Saint Lucia. He said other initiatives to improve Saint Lucia’s judiciary and its service to the public are soon to come on stream.

“Lawyers attached to the advice and litigation department accept their peculiar occupation hazards. However, it is lamentable when the probability of exposure is magnified by the irresponsible action of a few. This phenomenon had never reached my contemplation prior to my appointment and its incidence is most distressing. Counsel has been targeted for simply doing their jobs. This has caused us to implement measures for the security of our personnel not just for the counsel but for the staff as a whole.”

The Chamber of the Attorney General promises its continued commitment and dedication to the people of Saint Lucia in the new law year.