Urgent Call for Family Court in Dominica Amid Judicial Backlog

In a bold criticism of the current state of Dominica’s legal system, High Court Judge Justice Colin Williams has voiced concerns over the backlog of cases in the Magistrate Court, some of which date as far back as 2013. This staggering delay, he argues, reveals the pressing need for systemic change within the judicial framework.

Call for a Family Court

Central to the proposed solutions is the establishment of a Family Court, an initiative that has been discussed, albeit mutedly, for years. A Family Court Bill was proposed by the OECS Secretariat back in 2003, but concerns over jurisdiction prevented its enactment. Despite this setback, efforts to create a Family Division within the Court System in the OECS have been made, with the goal of expediting family-related matters.

A Model Worth Emulating

Looking to Trinidad and Tobago as an example, the Family Division program in the twin-island country has proven successful. It integrates a multidisciplinary approach and fosters a more family-oriented court setting, potentially providing a model for the OECS. Antigua has piloted this program, and Grenada has expressed interest, but no steps toward implementation have been taken in Dominica.

Financial Constraints and Lack of Transparency

The lack of movement on this front in Dominica, coupled with a lack of transparency from authorities, is a cause for concern. The public outcry for a Family Court continues to grow, yet the government’s silence remains deafening. While financial resources might be a potential roadblock, the recent revenues from the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program suggest that finance should not be an insurmountable challenge.

In the face of these systemic issues, Attorney Wayne Norde advocates for substantial changes within the legal framework. Only with such changes, he argues, can the judicial system begin to address its backlog of cases and better serve the citizens of Dominica.