Saint Lucia now has its first-ever Coroner following the creation of a new Coroners Court to help investigate unnatural deaths.
The Judicial and Legal Services Commission has appointed Desma Charles to the role, making her the first person to hold the post in the country. The move follows the setting up of a separate Coroners Court under the Magistrates’ Courts system.
The Government said in a statement on Monday that the court will deal with deaths that are not natural but also not criminal, such as deaths in custody, fatal accidents and suspected suicides.
It is expected to help families and authorities get answers in these cases and also identify any wider safety issues.
Until now, these cases were handled by magistrates because there was no dedicated Coroner’s office.
The appointment was made possible after approval was granted in January 2025 by Prime Minister Philip J Pierre and Cabinet for both the establishment of a Coroners Court and the creation of the post of Coroner.
Prime Minister Pierre, who also serves as Minister for Justice, referenced the initiative during his 2026/2027 Budget Address as part of wider efforts to strengthen the justice system.
“In addition, we are investing in the establishment of a Coroners Court, strengthening our ability to conduct timely and thorough investigations, and enhancing public confidence in the administration of justice,” the Prime Minister had said.
Additional appointments are expected to support the court’s operations, including administrative staff and a specially appointed investigator who will conduct inquiries into unnatural deaths.
The Government said the creation of the court represents a major advancement in Saint Lucia’s justice system and reflects its continued commitment to judicial modernisation and institutional accountability.
Further details on when the Coroners Court will begin sittings, as well as its operating procedures, will be announced at a later date, the government statement said.
