In a bid to assess the performance of local courts and improve in keeping with international standards, the Supreme Court of Judicature on Tuesday launched a seven-year strategic plan.
The plan features reforms and guidelines intended to improve the delivery of service and supported in large measure by the use of technology.
It was launched following the opening of Law Year 2024.
Among other things, the plan outlines the judiciary’s goal of taking the courts to paperless operation as well as allowing digital access to all.
It also aims to enhance human resources by boosting its management system as well as improving clients’ experience.
In delivering her address at the launch, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Yonette Cummings Edwards said the strategic plan is not just a plan on paper.
She said the strategic plan will transform the judicial system in many aspects.
“The strategic plan and the management of it will help us to meet our performance goals. It will help us to be more efficient and effective in the work we do and the service we deliver,” she said.
The plan, the Chancellor said, will transform the justice system into a more robust, effective, and efficient system.
“It underscores accountability and it engenders public trust and confidence in the justice system when a judiciary is accountable to the people.
“We have set targets to be achieved and you will be able to judge us. You will tell us how well we are doing or not doing. What needs tweaking and you will provide necessary feedback because we are accountable to you,” the Chancellor noted.
Meanwhile, in delivering the feature remarks virtually, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Adrian Saunders said the plan is a “comprehensive” assessment of the judiciary’s current status as well as its plans for the next seven years.
Justice Saunders urged all judicial officers to utilise the plan as a daily guide to their actions.
“Court leadership has a responsibility to adopt appropriate performance measures, standards and monitoring mechanisms to assist judicial officers and staff in carrying forward the goals of the strategic plan.
“Let the framework assist you in realising your strategic goals,” Justice Saunders said.
According to Justice Saunders, CCJ stands ready to offer all possible assistance as they embark on an “effortful” journey of implementing the strategic plan.
The strategic plan was launched under the theme “Pursuing Service Excellence through investments in Human Resources, Management Systems and Technology”.
