Caribbean courts must deliver faster, more transparent justice as public expectations rise and technology reshapes the region’s legal landscape, Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Chief Justice Margaret Price Findlay has urged.
Speaking as Saint Lucia hosted its first Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) itinerant sitting, she challenged regional judiciaries to rethink how they work, strengthen cooperation and remain responsive to the people they serve.
The historic sitting marks the opening of the CCJ’s 2026/2027 judicial year, three years after Saint Lucia became the fifth CARICOM member state to accept the court as its final court of appeal.
Justice Price Findlay said rapid technological, economic and social changes were making the work of Caribbean courts increasingly complex. At the same time, citizens expect better service. “That is paralleled by the ever-increasing expectation of the Caribbean citizenry to have access to a court system that is timely, transparent and responsive in its operations,” she said.
For the Chief Justice, the opening of a judicial year should trigger a review of how justice is delivered not simply introduce another schedule of hearings and judgments. She called on the CCJ to learn from previous challenges, build on its successes and adapt its approach to the changing realities of its member states.
That effort, she said, must include constructive engagement beyond the courtroom. “If we may impart any learning from our own experiences as a subregional judiciary, it is to safeguard your independence, but let it not be in isolation,” Justice Price Findlay advised.
Governments, bar associations, academics and the public all have contributions to make, she said, provided those relationships respect the constitutional boundaries that protect judicial independence and the separation of powers. Such engagement could help courts better understand public needs and strengthen confidence in the justice system.
She also identified technology, case management and court procedures as areas where Caribbean judiciaries could benefit from sharing their experiences. “With the CCJ and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court both being part of our wider Caribbean judicial family and facing common challenges, there is much that we can learn from each other through shared knowledge and exchanged experiences,” she said.
For Saint Lucia, the occasion also brings its highest court closer to the people whose lives its decisions can affect. The island joins Barbados, Belize, Guyana and Jamaica as a host of CCJ itinerant sittings.
Justice Price Findlay described the visit as an opportunity for Saint Lucians to experience their final court in person, strengthening the connection between the regional institution and the communities it serves.
Congratulating the CCJ on 21 years of achievements, she urged renewed purpose, stronger regional relationships and a continued commitment to improving justice. “May your good work continue to positively impact the lives of the Caribbean citizenry,” she said.
