Saint Lucia opens criminal backlog reduction court

A $2.28 million cash injection is finally tackling Saint Lucia’s crippling court case backlog.

Criminal Backlog Reduction Court

• Philip J. Pierre inaugurated the new court on March 19.
• The Swift Justice Project got $2,278,600 to make this happen.
• Some criminal cases had sat unresolved for years.
• Officials want faster access and less emotional strain for victims.

Justice System Overhaul Goals

• The backlog got worse thanks to COVID and limited resources.
• This move fulfills a promise from Pierre’s 2022 budget speech.
• Boosting the Criminal High Court’s capacity is part of the plan.
• They’re betting this speeds up hearings and clears pending matters.