Ministry of Justice Builds Results-Based Culture with Three-Day Monitoring & Evaluation Training

Basseterre, St. Kitts – The Attorney General’s Office and Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs hosted a 3-day Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) training programme for justice-sector professionals during the week of June 24, 2025. The training was delivered with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Multi-Country Office. The workshop forms part of Government efforts to embed a results-based culture across the justice system and strengthen institutional performance.

Held under the theme “Strengthening Accountability and Performance in Justice Sector Delivery,” the training brought together magistrates, crown counsels and registrars to enhance capacity in evidence-informed planning, risk management, and performance tracking.

“This training represents a critical investment in how we measure progress, manage risks, and ensure our justice institutions deliver for the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis,” said the Hon. Garth Wilkin, Attorney General. “As we work to modernise our legal system, effective monitoring will be key to sustaining that change.”

The workshop focused on:

· Developing theories of change and logic models tailored to justice functions;

· Crafting SMART indicators, baselines, and performance targets;

· Designing monitoring frameworks, scorecards, and narrative reporting templates;

· Applying basic evaluation methods, including formative and impact assessments.

Participants engaged in the workshop applied exercises using real departmental data, while reflecting on barriers such as manual recordkeeping, unclear responsibilities, and ad hoc reporting structures. Practical tools—such as monitoring templates, risk matrices, and evaluation plans—were developed during team sessions.

“A modern justice system must be grounded not only in law, but in measurable results,” said Wilkin. “By strengthening our capacity to plan, monitor, and evaluate justice services, we can better serve all citizens—especially those most vulnerable—and ensure our reforms deliver tangible impact.”

Initial follow-up engagements have already taken place with the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Solicitor General to begin institutionalising the practices introduced. These include drafting performance indicators, formalising reporting lines, and establishing a phased approach to digital and monitoring tools.

The Ministry thanks UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean for its continued partnership and all participants for their active engagement. The training aligns with national priorities under the Government’s justice sector reform efforts, including efforts to reduce case backlogs, strengthen public trust, and improve legal service delivery. It also supports Saint Kitts and Nevis’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.