The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is excited to announce the launch of its “Justice in School” Tour for schools in the ECSC’s jurisdictions. On Friday, September 13th, 2024, His Lordship, the Hon. Mario Michel, Chief Justice [Ag.], Michelle John-Theobalds, Chief Registrar, Mr. Gregory Girard, Court Administrator, and Mr Dwaymian Brissette, Information Services and Communications Manager visited the Dominica State College for our first Justice in School Tour.
The ECSC “Justice in School” Tour is designed to empower students of all ages with knowledge about the Eastern Caribbean Judiciary. This early interaction with students can help shape a positive perception of the judiciary and dispel the myths associated with the legal system. Engaging with students on relevant topics can further strengthen public trust and confidence in the judiciary while enhancing its public image.
During the visit, His Lordship presented the ECSC’s history, structure, and composition to the students. He also explained how the court’s work intersects with various aspects of the legal system, including the Magistracy. He encouraged the paralegal students to see their work as both a job and a service to society, promoting fairness and justice in the community. His Lordship’s emphasis on the significance of their contributions in facilitating access to justice, especially in a society with limited legal resources like the Eastern Caribbean, made the students recognise the value of their studies.
There was a very lively question-and-answer segment in which His Lordship answered many questions posed by the students. Most of the questions were thought-provoking, and it was evident that the students listened to His Lordship’s presentation and understood the law and court system well. After the lively discussion, His Lordship presented a book entitled “The Eastern Caribbean Supreme: A Model Regional Court” to Mr. Ashley Massicotte, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Afterwards, the appreciative and lively students and their teachers took the opportunity to socialise and memorialise the moment by taking a few photographs with His Lordship.
The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) was established in 1967 by the West Indies Associated States Supreme Court Order No. 223 of 1967. The ECSC is a superior court of record for the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), including six Independent States: Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and three British Overseas Territories: Anguilla, The Virgin Islands, and Montserrat. The Court has unlimited jurisdiction in each Member State and Territory.