Magistrates’ and Parish Court Judges’ Roundtable Webinar

On Friday 09 October 2020, the CAJO held its first Magistrates’ and Parish Judges’ Roundtable Webinar which brought together over sixty Magistrates from across the region. Prior to the Forum, the CAJO conducted an assessment of what topics and areas Magistrates would like to focus on, allowing the CAJO to design a programme that provided two knowledge-sharing sessions and generated discussion. A third session was designed around ascertaining the needs of Magistracies across the region.

The first session, on Remote Hearings, addressed the challenges and solutions implemented around protocols, non-appearance, non-compliance, access to justice, and etiquette as they relate to remote hearings in the Magistrates’ and Parish Courts. This session was facilitated by Chief Justice (Ret) of Barbados, Sir Marston Gibson, with a presentation from Parish Judge Michele Salmon on her experience with remote hearings.

The second session, Safety and Support in the time of COVID-19, was also facilitated by Sir Marston Gibson and included a presentation from His Worship Ian Weekes, Chief Magistrate of Barbados, on safety and support during pandemic times.

The final session, facilitated by Justice Peter Jamadar and Mr Dennis Darby (JURIST Project), provided a space for Magistrates and Parish Judges to share their present and future needs across ICT equipment and support, access to legislation, case law, databases, protocols, directions, the physical environment, and continued judicial education and training. Riana Kanhai of the JURIST Project served as rapporteur.