Partnership to improve court system efficiency

A new partnership between the US and Barbados is expected to bring significant improvements to the judiciary.

This as the two countries have partnered to launch a pilot Court Case Management System.

The system is developed and implemented by the National Centre for State Courts, and the US Embassy Bridgetown says it marks a significant step forward in modernising Barbados’s judicial administration and enhancing regional security.

It will see a move away from a paper-based to an electronic case management system in the Magistrates Courts in Barbados. This will help increase the effectiveness of cout staff in processing their workloads, and enable courts to take action more quickly. It will also align the island with international and regional best practices and increase the ability of its courts to meet future challenges.

The pilot Court Case Management System was officially unveiled on March 21, 2024 at the Supreme Court by US Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Roger Nyhus and Chief Justice of Barbados Sir Patterson Cheltenham.

Ambassador Nyhus said the US is committed to best practices in the delivery of justice, noting that “by leveraging technology to automate document production, improve processes, and facilitate data sharing, the Court Case Management System will empower judges and court staff in Barbados to effectively manage cases and reduce backlogs.”

Chief Justice Sir Patterson Cheltenham expressed gratitude at the project launch, stating “the Magistrates’ Court is usually the first place that a citizen is likely to interact with the justice system. Like any service provider, there are times when you have to revamp your system and the project launch signals that we are all ready to interact in a more modern way.”

The project was supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.

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