Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Celebrates 40 Years

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 February 2007. The Anguilla Circuit intends to host 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 we hope that it will become an annual event.

Other activities planned include an inter-primary school and High School Essay Competition. An exhibition which is intended to give a historical perspective on the Court will also be held at the Public Library in February 2007 Radio panel discussions are also planned and panelists will include lawyers within the Anguillian Community. Several other activities are planned for Anguilla including a talent show to be put on by the legal practitioners.

The Organizational Committee in Anguilla is a sub-committee of the Main Organizational Committee for the 40th Anniversary activities, chaired by Appellate Justice Barrow in St. Lucia. There is the hope that each State will meet at a central location to conclude the events in February 2007.
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.