The High Court and the Magistrate’s Court in Anguilla are not separate buildings. They are in fact adjoining structures with the Atlin Harrigan Parliamentary Building – in the middle – where the House of Assembly meets.
It is a matter that has repeatedly drawn commentary from the Minister of Infrastructure, Mr. Haydn Hughes, who is of the opinion that they should be stand-alone buildings to reflect, in a practical way, the separation of powers in terms of the Judiciary and the Legislature. That is not to say, however, that, apart from the limited spaces and other matters, the court facilities are not reasonably good enough.
Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Dame Janice M. Pereira, in delivering the Feature Address at the ceremonial opening of Law Year 2021, made reference to the need for proper court facilities in the 9-member jurisdictions of the court. It is a statement she has repeatedly made which has largely been interpreted both in terms of the quality of buildings as well as equipment – the latter being the main complaint over the years.
Speaking to the jurisdictions of the court on the matter, by video-link from Castries, St. Lucia, Madam Justice Pereira stated:
“For the past eight years, I, as well as Chief Justices before me, have been beseeching Governments to address the dire need for proper court facilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed how ill-suited most courts, across our many states and territories, are. COVID should not have met us still in this state.
“While the court is empathetic towards the ongoing economic challenges in our region, occasioned by the pandemic, I wish to remind Governments of their constitutional duty to ensure that the rights afforded to their citizens…allow for their meaningful engagement and effective enjoyment. It is my fervent hope that once we have gotten past the pandemic, and our economic health is improved, all steps will be taken to address this long, outstanding problem.”
