ATTORNEY-GENERAL WILKIN HAILS PASSAGE OF PLEA NEGOTIATIONS AND AGREEMENTS BILL, 2024, AS A MILESTONE FOR JUSTICE REFORM

Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 30, 2025 (SKNIS): The Honourable Garth Wilkin, Attorney General of St. Kitts and Nevis, has hailed the passage of the Plea Negotiations and Agreements Bill, 2024, as a transformative step for the country’s legal system.

The Bill, which was successfully passed in the National Assembly on January 30, 2025, introduces a structured framework for plea negotiations, aiming to expedite case resolutions and ease the burden on the courts. The legislation ensures that criminal cases, particularly indictable offenses, can be settled fairly and efficiently without unnecessary delays.

During his presentation in Parliament, Attorney General Wilkin underscored the urgent need for this legislation, citing case backlogs as a major challenge within the judicial system. He pointed to regional and international best practices, particularly the Needham’s Point Declaration on Criminal Justice Reform, which calls for laws that enable Maximum Sentence Indications (MSI) hearings and robust plea-bargaining schemes.

The Bill was also developed with support from the PACE Justice Project, funded by the European Union, which has committed to training local prosecutors and stakeholders in the proper execution of plea negotiations.

“The reality is that our judicial system is stretched, and delays hinder justice. This Bill is about efficiency, fairness, and ensuring that both victims and accused persons have access to a judicial process that functions effectively,” said Attorney General Wilkin.

The Bill ensures victims’ rights by allowing them to provide input through victim impact statements, ensuring that their perspectives are considered in sentencing decisions. It also establishes judicial oversight to guarantee that plea agreements serve the public interest, preventing any misuse of the system. Additionally, the legislation allows for sentence reductions for cooperation, particularly in cases where defendants assist law enforcement in dismantling criminal networks, thus strengthening efforts against organized crime. Furthermore, the Bill upholds defendants’ rights, ensuring that legal representation is present throughout negotiations, protecting individuals from coercion and ensuring fairness in the process.

Attorney General Wilkin also highlighted that other Caribbean nations, including Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, have successfully implemented plea bargaining legislation, resulting in faster case resolutions and reduced court congestion. He further pointed out that in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, plea negotiations are a cornerstone of criminal justice administration.

With this Bill now law, the Government continues its broader push for comprehensive justice reform. Attorney General Wilkin reiterated that additional legal measures are being considered, including amendments to the Jury Act, the introduction of Witness Anonymity protections, and the establishment of a Public Defender’s Office.

“This is just the beginning of a comprehensive strategy to modernize our legal system. We are ensuring that justice is served swiftly, fairly, and transparently for all citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis,” said AG Wilkin.

The passage of the Plea Negotiations and Agreements Bill, 2024, is a clear testament to the Government’s commitment to improving the rule of law and access to justice for all.

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