CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – The Government of Saint Lucia has officially launched a Criminal Backlog Reduction Court, a major step aimed at improving the efficiency of the justice system and restoring public confidence.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, on Thursday, led the opening ceremony alongside senior Government and judicial officials.
The new court is designed to tackle long-standing delays in criminal cases, some of which have remained unresolved for years, by accelerating hearings and improving case management.
The initiative fulfills a commitment made in the Prime Minister’s 2022/23 Budget Address, where addressing court backlogs, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and limited resources, was identified as a national priority.
Backed by EC$2.28 million in funding from the Swift Justice Project, the programme strengthens technical and administrative support within the Criminal High Court.
For the public, the impact is expected to be significant: quicker access to justice, reduced emotional strain on victims and families, more timely outcomes for accused individuals, and increased trust in the rule of law. A more efficient court system also enhances national security by ensuring that justice is delivered without undue delay.
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to continued investment in the justice sector and to implementing reforms that deliver meaningful results.
According to the Prime Minister, the establishment of the Criminal Backlog Reduction Court marks a decisive step toward a system where justice is timely, fair, and accessible to all.
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