LocationsEastern Caribbean Supreme Court Hosts Criminal Backlog Symposium with UNDP Support
October 27, 2025
Participants of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Backlog Symposium held in Saint Lucia on 13 - 14 October.
Castries, Saint Lucia — The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its PACE Justice Programme, convened a landmark Criminal Backlog Symposium aimed at tackling one of the most persistent challenges across the region’s justice systems — the timely resolution of criminal cases. Supported by the European Union, the PACE Justice Programme is a flagship initiative advancing justice reform and digital transformation across the Caribbean.
The two-day Symposium brought together judges, magistrates, prosecutors, police, and regional justice partners from across the Eastern Caribbean to develop practical strategies to accelerate case flow and strengthen access to justice.
The Symposium focused on practical approaches to case management, identifying the root causes of delay, and exploring technology and innovation – including the ECSC’s e-Litigation Portal. The outcome is expected to be a detailed 6–24-month roadmap guiding legislative reform, human resource strengthening, and technological integration to accelerate backlog reduction across the Eastern Caribbean.
Over two days, more than 80 participants engaged in interactive presentations, breakout sessions, and action planning to develop practical, actionable strategies for backlog reduction. Participants shared best practices and innovative solutions, drawing on successful models from within and outside the region.
The Symposium marks a turning point in the region’s justice reform efforts, with stakeholders united in their commitment to timely, fair, and effective justice. The ECSC and the PACE Justice Programme will continue to support implementation, monitor progress, and share lessons regionally to ensure lasting impact.
Acting Chief Justice of the ECSC, Hon. Madam Justice Margaret Price Findlay emphasized the human impact of delays in justice, noting, “Each file that lingers unresolved is much more than a statistic to be accounted for in the ECSC’s Annual Report, it is a human story adding to the public’s ever mounting loss of faith in the criminal justice system. The judiciary recognizes backlog reduction as one of its top priorities. It is not merely a matter of efficiency, but also a matter of justice.”
Attorney General of Saint Lucia, Hon. Leslie Mondesir, outlined government action, noting, “The Government of Saint Lucia has been working steadily to reduce the backlog of criminal cases in the Courts, tackling this vexing issue from several fronts.” In addition to modernizing courthouse infrastructure and equipment, he also highlighted a raft of new or updated legislation addressing from organized crime, witness protection and electronic crimes to plea-bargaining and judge-alone trials.
Attaché – Security, Justice & Human Rights at the Delegation of the European Union to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, Mr. Alessandro Tedesco, said: “Criminal backlogs are not unique to the Caribbean; this is a global issue that requires a systematic approach and a dedication to continuous improvement. We shall focus on developing, sharing and implementing best practices adapted to local contexts but inspired by international experience and success. This symposium provides a platform for dialogue and sharing insights drawn from the Caribbean and European experiences.”
Ms. Christalle Gemon, UNDP Team Lead for the PACE Justice Project, stressed the importance of partnership and results. She said, “This Symposium is part of a wider movement toward comprehensive justice reform in the Caribbean. It is not intended to be another talkshop. The work that begins here will shape the region’s justice landscape in the months ahead – turning discussions into concrete actions that strengthen institutions and bring justice closer to the people we serve.”
About PACE Justice
The Partnership of the Caribbean and the European Union on Justice (PACE Justice) Regional Programme is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the European Union. The PACE Justice Programme will improve efficiency of criminal justice administration in the Caribbean by enhancing the institutional capacities of prosecutors, courts, police, and prisons. Learn more at go.undp.org/PACEJustice
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org/barbados or follow at @UNDPBarbadosEC.
About the EU
The European Union is the political and economic union of 27 member states sharing freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law as common principles and values. The EU seeks to promote peace and stability, human rights and sustainable development, and support resilient democracies around the world. Learn more at www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/barbados
Related
content
content
