Innovation and reform make up the mortar that connects and binds the building blocks of the justice system.
This was the statement made by the Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Her Ladyship, The Hon. Dame Janice Pereira as she addressed the Bar during a special sitting to mark the opening of the Law Year 2024 at a ceremony held last Friday at the Crown Ball Room of Radisson Grenada Beach Resort.
Members of the legal fraternity gathered to hear what is expected to be the final address to them by the first female Chief Justice of the Court who delivered on the topic, “Innovation and Justice Reform: The ECSC; Looking to the Future.”
“On twelve momentous occasions, I have appeared before you for the opening of the Law year to bring you greetings and reflect on the challenges and achievements of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, we call the ECSC. It is with no less humility, pleasure or honour than I had on each of those occasions that I address you now for the ceremonial opening of the Law Year 2024, my final address to you as your Chief Justice. I am heartened to have yet another opportunity to welcome each and everyone of you to our customary special sitting…,” Dame Pereira told the gathering.
The Virgin Gorda native highlighted the organisation’s ability to adjust and improve in the midst of difficult challenges.
“Since its inception, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has been on a steady trajectory of improving the role it plays in justice administration. Collective, we have preserved through many challenges, adapting where necessary and reimaging where possible,” she said.
According to the OECS Chief Justice, in celebrating the momentous strides in upholding the pursuit of having an accessible, “accountable and independent” justice system, the fact of the matter is that the pursuit is not a means to an end.
“It is perpetually moving the goal posts which keeps us exploring modern and transformative means of delivering justice and court excellence in a constantly changing society.”
“As civilisation evolves so does the concept of justice. We then become more and more aware that justice is not a homogenous notion and that the modernisation or for different social institutions, necessitates new perspectives and modifications to make the justice system more accessible, inclusive and contemporary.
While acknowledging the court’s mission statement, the Chief Justice articulated that a bridge must be gaped between justice and the delivery of efficient systems.
She underscored the court’s goal of providing stellar services for Caribbean people.
“Whether it is modernising the technological resources to remedy systemic impediments to the administration of justice, reimagining processes and revising rules of procedure for greater security and efficiency or optimising cross institutional cooperation within the justice system, innovation and reform are necessary tools in realising a more fair and just society and fulfilling the court’s mission,” she said.
“Being the Judicial Arm of government, the court’s main purpose includes upholding the rule of law and enforcing each citizen’s right to equal protection of the law,” she added.
The first female British Virgin Island Chief Justice, in her address emphasised the rule of law’s value in case selection.
“Fulfilling that mandate however requires that we not only espouse these principles in our determination of cases which come before the court but that we so adequately facilitate equal access to easier navigation of the court’s systems by combating structural and systemic deficiencies,” said Dame Pereira.