BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, APRIL 3RD 2014 (CUOPM) – It is imperative that the branches of government in the OECS are respectful of each other for the national good.
This is the view of St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas who told Magistrates from the Eastern Caribbean that whatever goals OECS leaders pursue, it is essential that both their pursuit and their attainment take place in an atmosphere that is just and in an environment in which their respective nations’ populaces understand that their interests are protected by the sanctity of the system of governance in which there is a clear separation of powers.
“That they are members of societies in which the legislative branch of government has its clearly defined roles, the executive branch of government has its clearly defined roles, and the judicial branch of government has its clearly defined roles – all respectful of each other, and all working, within their respective areas of jurisdiction, for the national good. It is essential also, that when members of our society are unable to resolve their differences on their own and when the only path to a solution seems to be that of the courts, it is important that they believe – and, indeed, know – that their judicial institutions are grounded in clear standards of integrity,” Prime Minister Douglas told the opening session of a three-day conference for magistrates from the Eastern Caribbean at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
Noting that this is the ideal that the Judicial Education Institute (JEI) is attempting to advance and uphold with this conference, Prime Minister Douglas said the present training sessions may be the most important because, “it matters not how secure our technical training – regardless of our chosen field – if in the implementation of our training bedrock moral values, and clear standards of integrity are lacking.”
“The JEI understands this. The JEI understands the importance of these values to the quality of life in these islands. And I commend the Institute for ensuring that in this conference, the importance of integrity in your chosen profession will, time and again, and in many ways, be made abundantly clear,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
Attending the opening session were St. Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, the Hon. Patrice Nisbett; Attorney General, the Hon. Jason Hamilton; Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Dame Janice Pereira, the two resident judges and the president of the St. Kitts and Nevis Bar Association.