The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court kicked off its 2026 law year on Monday with a ceremonial opening hosted by Dominica, marking a return to tradition after four years of pandemic-related modifications.
Under the theme “The ECSC: justice that endures – anchored in independence, strengthened through trust,” the proceedings began with church services across member states on Sunday. In Dominica, attendees gathered at Fatima Catholic Church before processing to the State House conference room for the formal sitting.
In St. Kitts, the ceremony was held at Wesley Methodist Church on Seaton Street, Basseterre. The procession wound through the capital’s historic streets—from the church along Church Street, Liverpool Row, Fort Street, and West Independence Square Street—before concluding at the S. W. Tapley Seaton Court Annex on East Independence Square Street.
“Unlike the past four years, simultaneous sittings were held in the other eight member states and territories of the OECS,” organizers noted, signaling a full restoration of pre-pandemic ceremonial practices.
Acting Chief Justice Margaret Price Findlay delivered the feature address from Dominica, with her remarks broadcast live across the region through various media platforms. The ceremony included an inspection of the Guard of Honour before the special sitting commenced at 10:00 am.
The first scheduled Court of Appeal sitting for 2026 took place immediately following the ceremony, with the State House conference room officially declared a court for the proceedings.
The public participated both in-person and remotely, with organizers encouraging residents throughout St. Kitts & Nevis and other member states to watch the historic event as the regional court system begins another year of administering justice across the Eastern Caribbean.