A landmark moment for Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean was marked on Wednesday, November 5, with the official inauguration of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) Headquarters at Orange Grove Plaza, Bois D’Orange, Gros Islet.
The new facility aims to enhance the administration of justice, providing modern infrastructure and a client-focused environment that underscores the region’s commitment to fairness and accessibility.
Minister for the Public Service, Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte, highlighted the building’s cutting-edge design and facilities.
“This state-of-the-art institution is the most modern in the Eastern Caribbean as it boasts three courtrooms including a grand court, 14 judges’ chambers, lounge areas, conference rooms, library and training rooms, among other upgraded modern facilities,” she said.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre spoke of the government’s vision for judicial advancement.
“It was only recently that my government, oblivious to the unfounded claims of critics, joined the Caribbean countries in our accession to the Caribbean Court of Justice as the final arbiter in all legal matters, confirming our faith in our judges and judicial officers. You will agree that these facilities, now home to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, are by far the best court facilities in the entire Caribbean region,” he stated.
Attorney General Hon. Leslie Mondesir emphasized the technological innovations that will transform court operations.
“In the near future, the headquarters will have near real-time speech to text to obtain immediate drafts of transcripts, which significantly reduces the backlog of cases and fosters public confidence in the justice system. With a focus on digital transformation, the newly relocated headquarters enhances access to justice by allowing citizens to interact with the legal system remotely, reducing barriers such as distance and cost,” Mondesir explained.
Chief Justice of the ECSC, Her Ladyship, the Honourable Margaret Price-Findlay, reflected on the significance of the building.
“I see this building as both a milestone and a call to action. It reminds us that justice, though often rendered through words and judgments, also requires supportive environments and modern infrastructure to thrive. It challenges us to make full use of these new facilities to continue modernizing, to strengthen training and capacity building and to ensure that our services remain accessible to every citizen, regardless of status or location,” she said.
Chief Justice Price-Findlay also expressed her hope that the headquarters will serve as a hub for collaboration among the legal community.
“It is my sincere hope that the new headquarters will become a hub where judges, legal practitioners and friends of the law will come together to share ideas, build knowledge and shape the future of justice in the Eastern Caribbean. It would be remiss of me to close my remarks without expressing my heartfelt gratitude to my two immediate predecessors, without whom today would not be possible. The Right Honorable Dame Janice Mercedes Pereira, retired Chief Justice of the ECSC, and the Honorable Mario Michel, retired Justice of Appeal and the immediate past Acting Chief Justice of the ECSC. Your steadfast leadership, vision and dedication were instrumental in bringing the procurement of these new headquarters to fruition,” she added.
The inauguration of the ECSC Headquarters marks a historic step forward for the judicial system in the Eastern Caribbean, blending modern technology, professional training, and citizen accessibility to strengthen confidence in the region’s administration of justice.