The Dominica Bar Association has expressed its concerns and is calling for a comprehensive review of the recent initiative to extend court hours. This development, introduced by the Ministry of Legal Affairs, involves adding evening sittings at the Magistrates’ Court from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, starting September 8, 2025. In its formal statement, the Association recognized the government’s objectives of improving access to justice and alleviating case backlogs—both vital and commendable— however, emphasizes the importance of careful implementation.
Along with the acknowledgement of the Ministry’s intention were highlighted several potential challenges that could adversely affect various groups within the justice system. “Extended evening hours may create significant challenges for a number of groups”, noted the statement.
Among these concerns are safety, transportation, and cost issues faced by rural residents, who have already reported difficulties in returning home after night court sessions. The association pointed out that “complaints have been received from such persons about being unable to get a bus home after ‘night court’.”
The impact on women and caregivers was also a major point of concern. The Association underscored the plight of “Women and parents/guardians with caregiving responsibilities, who may be unable to participate fully in hearings scheduled during evening hours.” adding that requiring or requesting parents to be away from their children during late hours could place an unnecessary strain on families. Furthermore, they raised issues related to accused individuals in custody, who might endure prolonged detention during daylight hours awaiting night hearings.
Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and persons with disabilities, are particularly at risk. The group shared that it has already received complaints from elderly litigants about the inconvenience of night court due to limited mobility, emphasizing that late-night proceedings could be especially burdensome for them. The concerns extend to legal practitioners and support staff, whose ability to provide consistent services during extended hours may be compromised by family obligations. Employers, too, face potential complications, as employees summoned to court on their behalf after hours could require overtime pay.
A significant point of contention for the Association is the lack of prior consultation. They expressed disappointment that “meaningful engagement with the Bar, court users, staff, and the public” was not conducted before the implementation of night court.
The obscurity regarding a thorough feasibility study, despite inquiries made to the Ministry, raises questions about the process’s transparency and prudence.
“Such consultation is critical to ensure that measures designed to strengthen the justice system are workable, fair, and sustainable”, the statement asserted, warning that the absence of this process could lead to constitutional and administrative challenges.
The Bar Association also highlighted that the Magistrates’ Court is currently operating below full capacity, with unfilled magistrate positions and underutilized courtrooms. “There is no overflow for a night court,” they pointed out, suggesting that the current approach may not be the most effective way to address the backlog.
To achieve the Ministry’s goals without imposing unnecessary burdens, the Association proposed several alternatives. These include recruiting additional magistrates—an effort they believe is already underway but not yet completed—implementing staggered daytime sessions, strengthening case management practices, and introducing voluntary or consent-based evening sittings.
In light of these concerns, the Dominica Bar Association has called for the immediate suspension of the current plan until meaningful consultation with all stakeholders can take place. They emphasized their willingness to collaborate on developing solutions that enhance judicial efficiency while ensuring the accessibility and fairness of the justice system for everyone.
The Association concluded by reaffirming its commitment to working with the Ministry of Legal Affairs, stating, “We remain committed to working collaboratively with the Ministry to develop solutions that enhance efficiency while ensuring that justice remains accessible and equitable for all. The Association looks forward to engaging in constructive dialogue with the Ministry on this important matter.”
Stupes,stop your foolishness,we all know Noelize is political,so none of your bull,just like we know the media whore is political
You have no right to tell anyone about foolishness and we all know you are being political because you don’t really do anything else.
You keep accusing others of your failings or things people have called you (repeatedly) over the years.
“Among these concerns are safety, transportation, and cost issues faced by rural residents, who have already reported difficulties in returning home after night court sessions. The association pointed out that “complaints have been received from such persons about being unable to get a bus home after ‘night court’.'”
Come on, man! How can we ever modernise if we keep making excuses for holding on to those inefficient ways that have hampered our progress, those same habits that many call “backward”? If the Association wishes to gain media spotlight and to appear to be useful to its members, I am sure there are more responsible and productive ways to do so. These “concerns” appear puerile and seem designed to be a veto on the government’s initiative.” Noelize must not mix DFP politics with the work of the Association. I said it before.
Maybe Mrs. Noelize should have instead addressed the number of horror stories where lawyers are using all tricks in the book and tricks in the trade to delay cases. And especially when justice delayed is justice denied!
@DNO this was meant as a reply to Putin
You are the one making this political. These are valid concerns given the trend of arrogance and lack of consultation paired with general dismissiveness from this government.
The court “system” is in shambles and forced initiatives meant to band aid an already ailing situation will only make things worse.
The bar association is doing exactly what it ought to in this situation. Hopefully the government does more than pretend to do be doing the right thing by ignoring or dismissing their apparently valid concerns by claiming the bar is blocking a good initiative (classic politician move) .
Importantly the bar didn’t just complain they offered *valid* and *thoughtful* alternatives.
That is something many Dominicans (including yourself and your political counterparts) often fail to do.
You have caught Roosevelt disease – HEARTLESSNESS!!!!!!!!!!!
You are the political counterpart I talked about, criticizing and offering no viable alternatives. You can be just as heartless if someone doesn’t align to your selfish and narrow interpretations only the things you like or approve of are good.
Attacking anyone that doesn’t just bow down and give you your way. You are Just as much the problem.