LocationsNew Equipment Delivered to Barbados’ Courts to Help Reduce Case Backlog
August 19, 2025
(L-R): Registrar of the Supreme Court, Joy-Ann Clarke; UNDP Resident Representative, Limya Eltayeb; Attorney General Hon. Dale Marshall; Ambassador Margolzata Wasilewska of the European Union Delegation; Chief Justice Hon. Leslie Haynes; and Chief Magistrate His Worship Ian Weekes at the handover of ICT equipment from the PACE Justice project.
BRIDGETOWN - Barbados’ courts are expected to become more efficient following a handover of new equipment by the PACE Justice project, a regional initiative implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean with funding from the European Union.
The equipment was presented to Chief Justice of Barbados, Hon. Mr Justice Leslie Haynes and Chief Magistrate His Worship Mr. Ian Weekes at the District ‘D’ Magistrates’ Court on 19 August. Eighty-three desktop computers, 26 laptops, 20 tablets, 4 scanners and a printer will be distributed throughout magistrates’ and high courts across the island, allowing for the wide-scale implementation of a modern case management system to streamline court processes that have remained largely unchanged since the 1960s.
With the new technological support, courts can share information more easily, enabling cross-referencing of cases and coordination across the justice system, which helps prevent duplication, reduces adjournments, and ensures cases progress without unnecessary delays. Courts will also be able to process matters such as traffic offences, domestic and protection orders, and urgent applications electronically, reducing administrative delays and ensuring cases move more swiftly through the system.
The Chief Justice Haynes noted that the upgrade is critical given the approximately 20,000 cases heard annually in the Magistrates’ Courts.
“It is no secret that our Magistrates’ Courts have lagged behind. For too long, the magistracy has been managing under the weight of record books that are nearly two feet wide and several inches thick. This donation by the UNDP in collaboration with the EU is significant – It marks the start of a digital platform and the beginning of a modern era for our courts. These tools will allow us to increase training across Magistrates’ courts and focus on deploying the Judicial Information Management System island-wide. For this, we thank PACE Justice and the European Union.”
In addition to speeding up case processing, the equipment will also improve the quality of data collected by the courts. Presently, much of this work is done manually, making it difficult to track and analyze trends. The new system will enable more reliable data collection and analysis, helping the judiciary make evidence-based decisions to strengthen operations in the long term.
Attorney General Dale Marshall expressed appreciation for the support provided to Barbados’ justice system under the PACE Justice project, noting its significance not only for criminal matters but for the wider transformation of local Magistrates’ Courts.
“Our Magistrates’ Courts represent an important cog in the wheel – this is where day-to-day, people-centred justice is delivered. Your contribution at this time is very important to us, and we propose to match these efforts. The computerisation and digitisation of processes in the Magistrates’ Courts do not just rest on dealing with criminal cases but also coroners’ work, the domestic court, and civil cases. What we require now is an overall transformation of how the magistracy works, and your contribution is going to make a significant difference in that.”
UNDP Resident Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Ms. Limya Eltayeb, says PACE Justice is also addressing the pressing issue of criminal case backlog in the wider Caribbean.
“Backlogs in the region are in the thousands - stemming from inefficient systems, limited technology, poor interoperability, and training gaps. In many jurisdictions, over half of the prison population are on remand. It also affects survivors of violence, who may face lengthy delays in having their cases heard, prolonging trauma and limiting access to justice and protection. Nobody wins when justice is delayed. Through today’s equipment handover, PACE Justice is supporting the Needham’s Point Agreement – which promotes greater efficiency in Caribbean judicial administration, as well as Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, promoting peace, justice and strong institutions.”
In addition to the equipment delivery, Barbados will also benefit from a series of targeted interventions under the PACE Justice project, including strategic training for police, prosecutors, and court officials to improve case handling; modernisation of case tracking and evidence management systems; and support for rehabilitation and assessment processes to assess the root causes of offending.
Chief Justice of Barbados, Hon. Mr Justice Leslie Haynes, speaking at the handover ceremony at the District 'D' Magistrate's Court Complex.
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.
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
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