TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS TAKE CENTER STAGE IN JUSTICE SECTOR REFORM

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 18, 2024 (SKNIS): In his address during the 2025 Budget Debate, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the Honourable Garth Wilkin, Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs unveiled transformative initiatives aimed at modernising the justice system through technology and infrastructure development.

Attorney General Wilkin highlighted two modernisation initiatives launched in St. Kitts and Nevis this year by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, aimed at enhancing judicial efficiency. The Court launched the E-Litigation Portal for criminal matters and an AI-driven court transcription tool.

Additionally, under the PACE Justice Project, which began in 2024, the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs allocated EC$358,000 for advanced judicial technology.  New televisions, computers and photocopiers were received under this project in November 2024.

Attorney General Wilkin announced capital investments of EC$1.5 million for a new Ministry headquarters, a state-of-the-art facility to streamline operations. Additionally, EC$400,000 will go toward the rehabilitation of the Sir Lee L. Moore Judicial Complex, while EC$150,000 is earmarked for operationalising the Land Administration Information System (LAIS).

“These investments ensure that our institutions are resilient, efficient, and equipped to serve the people effectively,” stated Attorney General Wilkin.

Road safety also took centre stage with the introduction of the Sustainable Road Safety Project, aiming for zero traffic fatalities by 2030. Attorney General Wilkin said that this ambitious project will utilise data analysis, public consultation, and AI integration to make St. Kitts and Nevis’ roads safer.

Attorney General Wilkin praised advancements in the Director of Public Prosecutions Office, the Magistrate’s Court, and the Intellectual Property Office (IPOSKN), which surpassed revenue expectations and strengthened international copyright protections.

“This Budget reflects a Ministry and an Attorney General’s Office that are hardworking, accountable, and innovative. Together, we are building a resilient justice system that safeguards the rule of law and empowers future generations,” he concluded.

-30-