Earlier this week the Government of St. Lucia handed over a new home to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court {ECSC}.
The ECSC is now housed at the Orange Grove Plaza in Bois d’Orange, Gros Islet.
The handing over ceremony which was held on the morning of Wednesday November 5th on the grounds of the plaza, brought members of the government and the legal fraternity to mark the occasion.
The new headquarters spans three floors with a total of 63, 006 square feet of usable space and boasting upgraded IT infrastructure, modern conference facilities, and redefined and upgraded courtrooms.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre who was on hand to officially declare the facility open, made it clear that while the brand-new offices were a significant addition to the regional criminal justice system, the occasion held wider significance. “We mark not just the opening of a building, but the renewal of a promise, one that we as a government and as a region, made to uphold the rule of law, to strengthen our institutions, and to ensure that justice is served fairly, efficiently, and accessibly to every citizen of the OECS,” the Prime Minister said.
The relocation of the ECSC, which was previously located in the government buildings on the Castries waterfront, came as a result of a long list of complaints including inadequate space and limitations associated with the former facility.
Among the dignitaries who were present for the official opening were Former Chief Justice Sir Dennis Byron, retied Chief Justice Mario Michel, Venezuelan Ambassador Leiff Escalona, Taiwanese Ambassador Nicole Su, Dame Pearlette Louisy, Police Commissioner Verne Garde, Former President of the Senate Sir Calixte George, Justice Margaret Price-Findlay and Attorney General Leslie Mondesir.
In his contribution Attorney General Leslie Mondesir described the occasion as a pivotal moment in our history. “In 1979 the court’s headquarters found a home in St. Lucia. This remains an immense privilege and is not merely a matter of infrastructure or location but a symbol of confidence in our institutions, our governance and our enduring respect for the rule of law. The court represents legal reflection and refinement. It is an institution where complex and nuanced questions are rigorously scrutinized, contentious issues resolved and the principles of law clarified and strengthened. With that high standard set, the court’s headquarters should reflect this,” the Attorney General explained.
The headquarters as originally housed at the old NIS building on High Street before moving to the waterfront.