More Efficient Courts Have Positive Impact on Social and Economic Development
Miami, FL, December 6, 2023 — There is an urgent need for greater integration of technology to address inefficiencies in the administration of justice throughout the Caribbean. This was the view expressed by the Hon. Sir Ian Winder, Chief Justice of the Bahamas, speaking at the recent Connected Caribbean Summit in Miami, FL.
Chief Justice Winder emphasized that embracing technological solutions can streamline court processes, reduce delays, and enhance overall efficiency. Linking efficient courts to broader societal development, he highlighted the positive impact that streamlined judicial processes can have on social and economic development.
“Efficient courts are fundamental to the delivery of justice. Embracing technology is not just about modernization; it is about addressing inefficiencies that can hinder the fair and timely resolution of cases,” said Chief Justice Winder.
“Efficient courts contribute to the overall well-being of society. They enhance public trust in the justice system, facilitate economic growth, and foster a conducive environment for social development,” he added.
While acknowledging the challenges associated with modernizing the justice sector, Chief Justice Winder also identified opportunities for leveraging technology to improve court operations. He stressed the importance of collaboration and strategic planning to overcome obstacles and realize the potential benefits of modernization.
Chief Justice Winder highlighted the valuable contributions of the Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions (CAJS) in modernizing the justice sector, citing the organization’s impactful work with the Bahamas Judiciary. In a notable statement, Chief Justice Winder expressed his appreciation for the collaboration, noting that his judiciary has achieved more progress in the last 12 months through CAJS than in the past 20 years of efforts to modernize the courts.
“This CAJS serves as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of regional cooperation and the positive outcomes that can be achieved through collaborative Caribbean innovation and initiative”.
Chief Justice Winder’s call for greater use of technology resonated with summit attendees, which included legal professionals, policymakers, and technology experts.
Organizers of the Connected Caribbean Summit highlighted the importance of Chief Justice Winder’s presentation, emphasizing the crucial connection between technology and justice sector modernization. They echoed the call for collaborative efforts to implement technology-driven solutions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the region’s judicial systems.
ABOUT THE SUMMIT
The Connected Caribbean Summit is a pivotal annual gathering uniting various sectors to explore and devise strategies for expediting transformative action for Caribbean Development. This unique event unites government, business and justice sector leaders along with other key stakeholders and partners to provide actionable insights for collaborative problem solving and accelerated regional development.
The event was hosted by the Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions, the Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce (CARICHAM), and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), in partnership with the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN), the Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG), and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission.
MORE INFO
For media inquiries, please contact: Jesse Deane-Smith, Media Coordinator, ccsummit@connectedcaribbean.org