The Criminal Court has heard two matters over three sittings while the Magistrate’s Court has dealt with one matter despite the 14-day, 24-hour lockdown.
The courts continue to utilise audio-video links to hear matters, conduct online searches and probate decisions remotely. From March 27 until April 7, the Supreme Court continued its function of hearing matters and delivering decisions in the Court of Appeal, Civil Court, two Commercial Courts, Criminal Court, and Master’s Court.
Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mrs. Erica Smith-Penn said the courts have benefitted from the integration of technology since the hurricanes of 2017 when the relevant legislation was passed. She said the courts have been conducting hearings across the globe at any time in order to allow for justice and expediency while remaining responsive to its clients in the Eastern Caribbean, the Virgin Islands and across the world.
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Tiffany Scatliffe-Esprit said, “Video conferencing technology has greatly benefited the courts as we were able to have matters heard during this time in accordance with social distancing protocols.” She added, “The use of videoconferencing technology has proven to be essential to keeping the Territory’s Criminal Justice System operational and allowing parties to seek justice.
Court Manager of the Magistracy, Mrs. Annette Sylvester further added that the integration of technology has served as a benefit to the Magistrate’s Court in having the ability to hear cases remotely during this period.
Mrs. Sylvester said, “We are continuously seeking opportunities to enhance the way we do business and we have incorporated the systems being used within the Supreme Court and It is my intention, as Court Manager, to work along with the Senior Magistrate and others to advance the use of technology with the magistracy.”