The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court’s Judicial Education Institute (JEI) has successfully completed its comprehensive Judicial Officers’ Orientation 2026, a transformative three-day training event held in Saint Lucia from February 2-4, 2026. This intensive program brought together recently appointed judges and masters to advance their professional capabilities and reinforce the integrity of the regional judicial system.
The inaugural day established foundational principles, featuring Ms. Myrtene Cenac’s compelling analysis on statistical applications in judicial operations, demonstrating how data-driven methodologies can bolster transparency and accountability. Justice Agnes Actie followed with practical guidance on active case management strategies to ensure timely and cost-effective resolution of legal matters. The afternoon sessions culminated with retired Chief Justice Dame Janice Pereira’s authoritative address on building public trust through strict adherence to the ECSC Code of Conduct, while Justice Alvin Pariagsingh provided expert analysis of the updated Costs Regimes under the Civil Procedure Rules 2023.
Day two embraced contemporary challenges through examinations of digital transformation and implicit bias. Mr. Mark Ernest delivered a comprehensive overview of technological integration in judicial processes, highlighting artificial intelligence applications, digital recording systems, electronic case management, and virtual courtroom technologies. In a particularly impactful session, Justice Peter Jamadar of the Caribbean Court of Justice addressed unconscious prejudices in judicial decision-making, presenting effective strategies to mitigate bias and promote equitable proceedings. Additional sessions covered interim remedies and the critical functions of court registrars, with Justice of Appeal Eddy Ventose concluding the day with an authoritative discussion on public law claims.
The final day focused on practical judicial skills with Dame Janice Pereira leading an interactive workshop on precision in judgment writing, emphasizing clarity in reasoning and effective communication techniques for oral judgments. Justice of Appeal Trevor Ward conducted an in-depth exploration of sentencing principles, including proportionality and reasoned decision-making, complemented by scenario-based exercises to enhance sentencing consistency. Justice Ventose, as JEI Chair, formally closed the orientation, acknowledging participants’ active engagement and the collective success of the program.
This landmark event reaffirms the ECSC’s commitment to judicial excellence through continuous professional development. Participants departed with enhanced capabilities in technological adaptation, ethical standards, and practical judicial skills essential for navigating the evolving legal landscape. The judiciary expressed profound gratitude to all speakers, facilitators, and participants whose dedicated engagement strengthens the rule of law throughout the Eastern Caribbean.