The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

Delivering "world class" justice "requires meaningful financial investment and not empty rhetoric", the Bar Association's president urged yesterday, as he called for the judiciary's budget to be increased.

Khalil Parker KC, addressing the opening of the legal year said: "We will continue our collaborative efforts to ensure the continued improvement of our judiciary and that it delivers the modern and world class services we are entitled to expect.

"However, this requires meaningful financial investment and not empty rhetoric. We look forward to an increased budget for the judiciary, and the administration of justice more broadly, as we seek to ensure that those charged with offences are afforded a fair trial in a timely manner. We also look forward to the improvement to the disposition cycle of civil matters."

Acknowledging that "significant progress on critical issues" occurred during 2023, Mr Parker added: "We have seen the passage, and look forward to, the full implementation of the Court Services Bill. The Government has acquired the relevant properties for the construction of a purpose-built Supreme Court complex, and we look forward to the groundbreaking.

"And, as of the first day of March 2023, the Supreme Court has fully transitioned to the Supreme Court Civil Procedure Rules, and the new Legal Profession Act is also on the eve of circulation for consultation. Bar Council is cognisant of the fact that these accomplishments have been fostered and undergirded by our successful partnership with your lordship and the Attorney General."