The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court is celebrating 40 years of service to the Eastern Caribbean states. The Court was established in 1967 by the West Indies Associated States Supreme Court Order No. 223 of 1967. It is a superior court of record for nine Member States, six independent namely, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and three British Overseas Territories namely, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and Montserrat.
In commemoration of these events, each of the nine member states and territories will host various events in each State from November 2006 to May 2007. The Anguilla Circuit has to hosted several activities. The first of these activities was a Mock Criminal Trial held on 17th November, 2006 at the House of Assembly. The participants included students from the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School and members of the Royal Anguilla Police Force. The Mock Criminal Trial was a resounding success and may hope that it would become an annual event
On Tuesday 27th February 2007, the actual anniversary of the Supreme Court, there was a Thanksgiving Service at the St. Mary's Anglican Church followed by a special sitting of the Court. Among those addressing the Court was our Managing Partner, Miss Yvette Wallace.
In her address, Miss Wallace said the Court was "proudly proclaiming the message that good governance, is well-established in the sub-region butressed by a strong and independent court by any international standard. “We proudly proclaim that the Supreme Court enjoys the great respect of our people... This institution that we call the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court is an essential pillar of our democracy,” she further stated.
She said that apart from being the bastion of justice, the interpreter of the law, the official guardian of civil and human rights, the court was often the unofficial watchdog of the Government.
She was of the view that in its 40 years the court had made tremendous strides in instilling public confidence in keeping with its initial statement of delivery of justice independently by competent officers in a prompt, fair, efficient and effective manner.
On March 30th, 2007 prizes were presented to the winners of an Inter-primary school and High School Essay Competition. Radio panel discussions have been ongoing with panels including lawyers from Keithley Lake & Associates; Several other activities are planned for Anguilla including a talent show and a Gala Dinner in the month of May.
Functions & Powers
The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has unlimited jurisdiction in the Member States, in accordance with the respective Supreme Court Acts. Section 17 of the Courts Order empowers the Chief Justice and two judges of the Supreme Court, selected by the Chief Justice, to make rules of court for regulating the practice and procedure of the Court of Appeal and the High Court. Also, National Legislation in the countries served by the Court confers rule-making authority on the Chief Justice in relation to matters outside the Court of Appeal and the High Court.
