ECSC marks 50th year – Celebrating past, embracing future

February 27, 2017 marks the 50th year since the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) was inaugurated on February 27, 1967.

The ECSC replaced the Supreme Court of the Windward and Leeward Islands, which served the territories of the Eastern Caribbean, now members of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), when the islands began their movement towards political independence from Britain.

The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has jurisdiction in Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Montserrat. The court has gained renowned success as a superior court of record.

“The Golden anniversary of the ECSC is not only cause for celebration, but it is also a time for reflection on our past and future. Her Ladyship, the Hon. Dame Janice M. Pereira, DBE, Chief Justice, is inviting the public to be a part of the celebration of this milestone because this is our court, and our achievement. Therefore, we all have reason to celebrate!” a release from the ECSC said.

“Together, we can sustain the ECSC’s longstanding tradition of excellence by learning from our past, building on our strengths, adapting to change, and embracing the future. Hence, the theme for the 50th anniversary – ‘Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future’.”

The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has planned a number of celebratory activities in the various Member States and Territories. One such activity is a church service on February 26, 2017, to be held at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Kingstown at 7 a.m.

Also on February 27, a Special Sitting of the Court will be convened at the Court House in Kingstown, where the Chief Justice’s celebratory address will be presented via video-link.