The Regional Law Revision Centre in Anguilla is continuing to host a number of trainees in its Consolidation of Laws Training Programme. The latest five participants were Mrs Sandra Dawne Taylor, Mrs Cheryl Evans, Mrs Deidre Kinch and Mrs Glen Davis from the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Council in Barbados; and Mrs Shemica K. Maloney from the Legal Department in Nevis.
The training, on September 19 and 20, was conducted by Ms Yoland Dash, Legislative Publisher and Trainer at Hannah-Waver House at the Caribbean Commercial Centre.
The programme provided the participants with an in-depth understanding of the consolidation cycle, and its impact on the Chambers, and explored various techniques in successfully managing the cycle. Consolidation is a continuous process of compiling all amending laws over the years into a principal legislation for ease of reference.
Speaking at the conclusion of the programme on Friday, September 20, Ms Dash said that since 2009 the Law Revision Centre had successfully established the training programme. “This Consolidation of Laws Programme is the only one in the region that provides such an in-depth knowledge of the process as very little has been written on this subject,” she observed.
“The programme focuses on the consolidation process and the implementation of techniques that contribute to the production of a cost-effective, high-quality publication of the revised edition of laws. During the two days, we discussed issues affecting the consolidation process such as some of the complications of incorporating amendments into the principal Act, how to address new and repealed legislation and the work flow problems that can derail this process.
“Although the consolidation exercise may seem such a simple task, it can quickly become a nightmare if not undertaken correctly. It is for this reason that we have purposely limited our group size. This allows us to cover the course outline as well as address some of the issues that uniquely affect both jurisdictions.”
Attorney General, James Wood QC, who is also the Resident Director of the Law Revision Centre, said it appeared to be growing stronger with a number of countries expressing an interest in its work. He reported that the Centre’s Consolidation of Laws Programme, in particular, was raised by several delegates at the Commonwealth Meeting of Small Jurisdictions last year. It was therefore likely that the Centre would be able to offer training to countries outside the jurisdiction.
Governor Christina Scott said Anguilla had a very important Centre which was recognised throughout the Caribbean. She thought it had much potential for growth and that Anguilla was already benefiting from it in terms of local employment and exposure of the work of the Centre in the region. She added that she would like to see the Centre serving the consolidation of laws for countries around the world.
One of the course participants – Deidre Kinch of the Attorney General Chambers in Barbados – said that not only was the Consolidation of Laws training of much benefit, but the drafting aspect of the legislation as well. She commended Ms Dash for keeping the participants at a small number. “It has benefitted us not only in terms of having a one-on-one experience, but we were able to share the issues that our particular jurisdictions face and come up with solutions on the spot,” she added.
Certificates of attendance and completion of the Consolidation of Laws Course were presented to the participants by Governor Scott.
