The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has initiated a comprehensive million-dollar legal modernization program that will digitize the nation’s entire body of laws. Attorney General Louise Mitchell announced the landmark initiative during her address marking the commencement of the judicial year, revealing plans to make all national legislation accessible online through a complete consolidation and revision process.
The ambitious project, which will incorporate all laws passed through December 31, 2025, represents the first major revision since 2009. The government has engaged the Regional Law Revision Centre in Anguilla, signaling a strategic shift toward regional collaboration while maintaining sovereignty over the legal framework. Notably, the finalized compilation will be government-owned and produced in MS Word format to facilitate knowledge sharing and enhance investor confidence through transparent legal frameworks.
In parallel developments, Mitchell addressed infrastructure concerns within the judicial system, acknowledging reports of mold, termite infestations, and inadequate facilities in both the High Court and magistrates’ courts. While confirming that the previous administration’s proposed halls of justice project remains a medium-term objective, the current government has prioritized immediate digital advancements over new construction.
The Attorney General also outlined progress on the digitization of the Land Registry Project, with approximately 250,000 deeds from 1939-2025 already scanned ahead of the anticipated 2028 completion. Additionally, the Legal Professions Bill, carried over from the previous administration, is scheduled for parliamentary agenda placement in the first quarter, aiming to establish enhanced ethical standards for legal practitioners.
A feasibility study commissioned for 2024 will evaluate comparative costs and suitability of locations for the proposed halls of justice, with a final decision on location and concept design expected by late 2026. The government projects funding acquisition for the construction project to commence in 2027, pending study outcomes.