In a significant move to strengthen judicial participation, the Eastern Caribbean’s juror compensation rate will see a substantial increase this month. Attorney General Louise Mitchell announced on Monday that the EC$10 stipend provided to jurors for lunch and transportation expenses will be doubled immediately.
The announcement came during Mitchell’s inaugural court address since assuming her ministerial position in December. She emphasized the critical role jurors play in maintaining judicial integrity, stating that “jurors are essential to the justice system. Their decisions reflect community values, protect individual rights and uphold the principles of democracy.”
Mitchell acknowledged that while jurors can never be fully compensated for their dedication, their contributions warrant recognition. “The criminal system depends on their impartiality and fairness in determining guilt or innocence,” she told attendees at the special sitting marking the beginning of the legal year.
Concurrently, the Attorney General revealed plans to restore parking privileges for legal professionals at the Court House yard, reversing a 2022 decision by the Ralph Gonsalves Unity Labour Party administration that had prohibited attorney parking. However, this reinstated privilege will now come with a monthly fee, unlike the previous complimentary arrangement.
The parking policy had previously faced legal challenges, including an October 2023 High Court case brought by then-opposition figures Jemalie John and Shevern Lewis-John, which ultimately upheld the government’s position.
Mitchell, whose previous work with the National Trust contributed to the 200-year-old courthouse achieving protected national heritage status, reminded legal professionals of their responsibility to preserve the historic site. She requested attorneys to park only in the rear sections of the grounds to minimize impact on Kingstown’s limited green spaces.