The AG has commenced dialogue with the Prime Minister, the Minister for Legal Affairs, and the Director of Public Prosecutions on the way forward.
Saint Lucia’s Attorney General, Hon. Steven Julien, has assured members of the Saint Lucia Bar Association that there is an ongoing dialogue on issues affecting the court.
The Attorney General was among several gathered at the Parliament Chambers on Feb. 27 for a special sitting to mark the 50th anniversary of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC).
Mr. Julien, in response to the growing concerns of the Saint Lucia Bar Association on the lack of resources, noted that he had commenced dialogue with the Prime Minister, the Minister for Legal Affairs, and the Director of Public Prosecutions on charting the way forward.
“As one of your number who has served on the bench and now sits in Cabinet, I am aware that I am uniquely poised to advocate on matters that affect the court. I am resolved to contribute to the development of our profession. I am convinced that before we embark on any grandiose adventure, we in Saint Lucia must get our judiciary working at an acceptable level. I can also report that I have received the commitment of the Hon. Prime Minister who assures that law and order and justice is a top tier priority,” he said.
Notwithstanding the constraints, the Attorney General called on the legal fraternity to raise the profile of the profession.
“Civil society must acknowledge that an undersubscribed judiciary is incapable of serving as our collective shield against the abyss of dystopia. Members of the bar must also appreciate their role in the play. We are the first line of defense against any assault on the rule of law. We must bring our insight and expertise to bear on matters of national interest, as it is our civic duty so to do. We must serve with the highest standard of professionalism, and strive to earn the confidence of the citizenry.”
Headquartered in Saint Lucia, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court is celebrating its 50th anniversary under the theme “Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future.
