By Kisean Joseph
[email protected]
Antigua and Barbuda’s Acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shannon Jones-Gittens delivered an assessment of the region’s justice system during Friday’s Special Sitting marking the opening of the 2025 Law Year, emphasizing both advances and challenges in delivering justice across the Eastern Caribbean.
Speaking to this year’s theme, “Accessibility and Awareness – The ECSC Bridging the Gap Through Community Engagement,” Jones-Gittens highlighted various public education initiatives that have made the justice system more accessible to citizens. She noted successful programs including the sexual offenses model court in Antigua and Barbuda.
“A video was publicized that walked persons through the entire process, from report to verdict,” Jones-Gittens explained. “This benefited accused, complainants, witnesses, and even jurors. It helped them to learn about the process.”
The acting DPP pointed to several successful community engagement programmes across the region, including initiatives in St Vincent and the Grenadines where the DPP’s office actively engages with schools and communities to discourage criminal activities, while educating the public about their functions.
She also noted Justice Iain Morley’s continued efforts in St Kitts and Nevis, where he has participated in public discussions about sentencing guidelines through radio broadcasts.
“The main purpose of programs like these is to take some of the mystery out of the court and its processes,” Jones-Gittens stated, “because many persons are usually intimidated by it.”
Technological advancements have played an important role in modernizing the justice system.
“There’s been increased use of video link technology which allows victims and witnesses abroad to give evidence in trials,” she noted. “It is also used for young and vulnerable witnesses so that they don’t have to come into the courtroom and have that frightening experience.”
The practice of judge-alone trials in the High Court has also enhanced transparency. According to Jones-Gittens, these trials provide greater clarity as “the reasons must be given, unlike with a jury trial, and these are usually published.”
Jones-Gittens further stated: “Now there are many positives, but still there are many deficiencies, gaps to be bridged within the system itself. In some instances, gaping holes, which lead some members of the public to sometimes opine that there’s no justice in the justice system.”
While noting that public criticism sometimes stems from misunderstanding, Jones-Gittens is urging for careful consideration of legitimate concerns. “Before we become defensive, we may wish to take a closer look at what is sometimes the harsh truth,” she said, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic issues rather than dismissing public concerns.