Honourable Attorney General Garth Wilkin’s Address on Modernising the Justice System in St. Kitts and Nevis

Overview

During the first day of the 2025 Budget Debate in the St. Kitts and Nevis Federal Parliament, Honourable Attorney General Garth Wilkin delivered a resolute address, highlighting his ministry’s dedication to modernising the justice system, fostering accountability, and protecting public funds.

Hon. Garth Wilkin

Modernising the Justice System

In support of the Appropriation (2025) Bill, 2024, Attorney General Wilkin emphasized the significant strides made by the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs and the Attorney General’s Office. With a proposed allocation of EC$12.4 million for recurrent expenditure and EC$2.7 million for capital projects in 2025, the Ministry is poised to strengthen legal and judicial systems.

Hon. Garth Wilkin

Fiscal Management

Addressing fiscal management, Attorney General Wilkin noted a 17 percent reduction in the Attorney General’s Office’s budget to EC$10.1 million, attributing this to operational efficiency rather than a reduction in workload.

"We are doing more with less – and doing it effectively," he stated.

Key Achievements

Honourable Wilkin highlighted the following achievements:

Passage of 33 laws in 2024, spanning public health, economic development, and criminal justice reform
Development of 25 regulations to improve governance and transparency
Saving of EC$3.6 million in claims against the State this year, reflecting a culture of diligence and accountability

Innovative Solutions

Attorney General Wilkin introduced the nation to "VoiceIt," a first AI-powered legal resource in the Western Hemisphere tailored to St. Kitts and Nevis. This innovative platform empowers citizens and residents to easily access legal information and better understand their rights and responsibilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Honourable Wilkin emphasized the importance of protecting the public purse for the benefit of the people. He highlighted the Attorney General’s Office’s performance in 2024, stating that "we protect the public purse for the benefit of the people, just like Brimstone Hill at its prime."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the proposed allocation for the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs in 2025?
A: The proposed allocation is EC$12.4 million for recurrent expenditure and EC$2.7 million for capital projects.

Q: How did the Attorney General’s Office reduce its budget in 2024?
A: The budget reduction was attributed to operational efficiency rather than a reduction in workload.

Q: What is "VoiceIt," and what does it do?
A: "VoiceIt" is an AI-powered legal resource that empowers citizens and residents to easily access legal information and better understand their rights and responsibilities.