(Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris has expressed his delight in the opening of the second High Court Chamber in St. Kitts and Nevis at the Sir Lee Llewellyn Moore Judicial and Legal Complex.
The new facility was officially opened today, Monday, March 13, 2017, during a special sitting led by Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean States, Dame Janice Pereira.
Delivering brief remarks, the honourable chief justice acknowledged the efforts of the local government to improve judicial service in the federation.
She said, “To my mind it demonstrates a clear appreciation of the value and importance of a well functioning judicial branch. A strong and vibrant judiciary forms the bedrock of our democracies and indeed our economies.”
Prime Minister Harris said with the addition of amenities that can facilitate video hearings and teleconferencing, the second high court serves as a model modern court.
“This court, as we have heard this morning, will add to the swifter and more efficient delivery of justice to all the people of St. Kitts and Nevis. It will facilitate the speed up of both civil and criminal matters and importantly, this has now become or has been described as a model modern court with all the associated facilities, and in that regard I am happy as the leader of the Team Unity Administration to have a critical element of the justice system being enhanced for the wider good of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis,” Dr. Harris said.
The honourable prime minister continued, “This then is a significant development for us as a government; a significant development for us as a democracy. As the chief justice has said this morning, this court will add significantly to the enhancement of democracy in the federation. Again, I feel a sense of pride and wish to congratulate the attorney general and all those who ensured the speedy delivery of this court.”
An additional judicial officer will soon be assigned to conduct trials and other hearings in the new facility.