Justice Ministry strengthens efficiency through Case Management Training

Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis- 22 September 2025

The Attorney General’s Office and Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs in collaboration with the UNDP PACE Justice Project funded by the European Union is hosting a two-day Case Management Training from September 22 to 23. The training convenes judges, magistrates, prosecutors, defence counsel, registrars, and clerks of court to strengthen practical skills in managing cases efficiently, reducing delays, and embedding greater accountability across the justice system.

Delivering the opening remarks, the Hon. Garth Wilkin, Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, emphasized that backlogs and delays threaten efficiency and public confidence in the justice system. “Every adjournment or prolonged trial risk denying victims, witnesses, and defendants timely justice. This training is about adopting practical measures that will help reduce backlog and ensure greater efficiency in our courts,” the Attorney General said.

Over the two days, participants will examine:

• Case management techniques and judicial controls to reduce delays;

• Judicial sanctions and accountability for counsel as tools for changing courtroom culture;

• Practical scenario-based exercises on narrowing issues, agreeing facts, and enforcing preparation;

• Judicial leadership in moving from reactive to proactive case flow management; and

• Time and stress management to enhance professional practice.

Facilitators include Justice of Appeal Mr. Boodoosingh, Justice Morley, Justice Thompson, Dr. Affonso, and Mr. García Muñoz, who are sharing global, regional and practical insights.

The training also advances commitments under the Needham Point Declaration on Criminal Justice Reform, which identifies case management and plea negotiations as central to modernising criminal justice systems across the Caribbean.

The Attorney General reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting reforms, emphasizing that effective case management requires strong cooperation among the judiciary, prosecution, defence, and court administration. “This is a matter of professional responsibility and of ensuring that justice in Saint Kitts and Nevis is delivered in a manner that is timely, fair, and effective,” the Attorney General stated.

This initiative is part of the Federation’s broader justice reform agenda supported by the UNDP and the European Union. It also includes digitisation of court processes, diversion and rehabilitation initiatives, and wider institutional strengthening measures. All efforts are directed toward one central goal: reducing backlog and ensuring timely access to justice for all citizens.