The Government of Saint Lucia has officially launched the Criminal Backlog Reduction Court, marking what officials describe as a pivotal step toward strengthening the administration of justice and restoring public confidence in the system.
Located in Vide Boutielle, Castries, the Court began hearing cases in February but was formally opened on March 19 by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. The ceremony brought together senior government and judicial officials, including Director of Public Prosecutions Daarsrean Greene and Attorney General Leslie Mondesir.
Pierre underscored the urgency of the initiative, noting that criminal matters have too often remained unresolved, with cases pending for years. The new Court, he said, is designed to accelerate hearings, clear long-outstanding matters, reduce delays and improve overall judicial efficiency.
“It cannot be right for a victim to have to wait six years before they can face their accuser and get their rights in court; it cannot be right,” the prime minister said.
Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Margaret Price-Findlay pointed to ongoing reforms within the justice system, including judge-only trials, judicial settlement options, and now the Backlog Reduction Court.
“These measures reflect a continuing commitment by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and its partners to build a criminal justice system that is modern, responsive and capable of delivering justice both fairly and without any delay,” she said.
She went on to indicate that across our Caribbean region, courts stood as the guardians of our constitutional democracy.
“They are institutions where rights are vindicated and disputes resolved and the rule of law is given practical meaning. Yet we must acknowledge a truth that is well understood in every justice system: justice delayed carries consequences,” she expressed.
According to the Government, this court fulfils a commitment made in Prime Minister Pierre’s 2022/23 budget address, which identified court backlogs, made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic and inadequate resourcing, as an urgent national priority.
