The Acting Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC), Mario Michel, has initiated a major educational initiative aimed at improving public understanding of the Court’s structure, functions, and role in the justice system.
The programme aligns with the theme of the new law year: “Accessibility and Awareness: The ECSC Bridging the Gap through Community Engagement.”
Addressing a special sitting of the ECSC to mark the commencement of the new law year, Justice Michel noted that the campaign seeks to address a widespread “lack of understanding of the court’s structure and function”, emphasizing, the “importance of demystifying the Court system to foster trust and confidence in the legal process.”
He said that the initiative comprises various components , three (3) of which are already underway.
One key component involves visits to community colleges across the nine (9) Member States and Territories of the ECSC.
To date, students in Saint Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, and Montserrat have benefited from these engagements, with plans to extend the program to Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and the British Virgin Islands during the first term of the new law year.
Justice Michel expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the campaign, calling it a crucial step in making the judiciary more accessible to the people it serves.
“ I am hopeful that our courts efforts to bridge the gap with our community through the public education programme will not only demystify the law, and the judiciary for the citizenry that we serve, but will also reinforce the idea that justice is a collaborative endeavour that serves and reflects our collective values,” he remarked.
“Through these efforts, it is our hope that the court would be seen as more than just a place of adjudication but also a cornerstone of public trust and societal progress,” Justice Michel added.
Looking ahead, Acting Chief Justice Michel expressed optimism for the success of the courts public awareness campaign, stating his hopes for its long-term influence in 2025 and beyond.
The initiative marks a significant step toward bridging the gap between the judiciary and the public, ensuring a more informed populace.
Justice Michel remains hopeful about the programme’s impact in 2025 and beyond, signaling a transformative approach to community engagement within the Eastern Caribbean.
Grenada’s Solicitor General, Chevaughn Spencer-Joseph, echoed the importance of public education during her maiden address to the Court as she highlighted the value of outreach programmes in helping citizens understand their rights, duties, and the workings of the Court system.
“Outreach programmes are important to enable members of the public to understand how the courts operate and generally for persons to know their rights and duties and how they can be enforced either through the courts or through alternative dispute resolution procedures,” Spencer-Joseph said.
She also praised Grenada’s Sir Archibald Nedd Memorial Lecture series, which will mark its 21st edition this year, for its role in advancing public legal education across the region.
The lecture series, conceptualised by Attorney Ruggles Ferguson, KC, has inspired similar initiatives throughout the Commonwealth.
“This idea has inspired other similar public lecture series across the region. These lectures have contributed to a more informed engagement and I will even say law abiding community,” she said.
Spencer-Joseph stated that “the knowledge gained helps individuals make informed decisions in their personal and professional lives and promote a better understanding of the law.”