In a landmark announcement during the 2026 national budget presentation, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo unveiled sweeping reforms aimed at revitalizing the nation’s judiciary. The reforms, designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility, include the creation of a new Judiciary Chancellor role to oversee case management, thereby allowing the Chief Justice to focus on jurisprudence. Tancoo emphasized that these measures are critical to addressing case backlogs and strengthening the leadership of the justice system.
Central to the reforms is the expansion of court facilities and the constitutional enshrinement of the right to a timely trial, which Tancoo described as a ‘cornerstone of democratic justice.’ Additionally, victim support services will be significantly expanded to include restitution programs, job placement assistance, and housing opportunities for crime victims. Increased funding and staffing for the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Public Defenders’ offices were also announced to ensure better access to legal representation.
Tancoo underscored the urgency of these reforms, stating, ‘For the first time, the administration of justice will be given the priority it so desperately needs but was so desperately lacking.’
The proposal has sparked discussions within the judiciary. Chief Justice Ivor Archie, while cautious, acknowledged the potential benefits of the reforms. In his address for the new law term, Archie noted that the judiciary already operates with a ‘silent chancellor’ in the form of a court administrator who handles day-to-day operations. He stressed the need for a concrete proposal that clearly defines the role, appointment process, and accountability of the proposed Judiciary Chancellor.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who first floated the idea in July, explained that the Judiciary Chancellor would focus on court administration, freeing the Chief Justice to concentrate on legal cases and judicial officers. Archie emphasized the importance of understanding the proposal within Trinidad and Tobago’s constitutional framework, noting that the role of a chancellor in other countries, such as England, differs significantly due to varying constitutional arrangements.
Archie concluded by highlighting the shared goal of improving the administration of justice and fostering collaboration between the executive and judicial branches. ‘What is important is an informed discussion where all views are given a respectful hearing,’ he said, expressing optimism about achieving a consensus on the reforms.