In a significant stride towards judicial efficiency, Saint Lucia’s Commercial Court, established nine years ago, has effectively managed business disputes totaling EC$49 million in 2024. This specialized division, inaugurated on January 20, 2016, was designed to address commercial conflicts with precision and speed, thereby enhancing the nation’s business environment and competitiveness. Registrar of the High Court, Daniel Francis, highlighted the court’s impact, noting, “In terms of value, we have seen approximately $49 million in ‘Values of Claim’ pass through the commercial court in 2024, and we fully expect this figure to grow.”
The court’s primary functions encompass settling business disputes, facilitating efficient case management, safeguarding business interests, promoting economic growth, and upholding commercial laws. Over the years, its scope has expanded beyond district commercial issues, positively influencing general civil practices and procedures within the Civil Courts. This evolution underscores the court’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and prompt resolution of cases, thereby bolstering Saint Lucia’s ease of doing business.
The National Productivity and Competitiveness Council (NCPC) played a pivotal role in the court’s establishment, securing funding from Compete Caribbean in collaboration with the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and the government of Saint Lucia. NCPC Director, Lisa Florent-Montoute, emphasized the council’s ongoing commitment to assessing the initiative’s effectiveness, stating, “This initiative is demonstrating success, as successive governments remain dedicated to establishing a more efficient Swift Justice System for our litigation processes.” She also highlighted the necessity of distinguishing between commercial and civil cases to ensure more streamlined handling, contributing to notable advancements in the nation’s competitiveness and business environment.
Looking ahead, the government has embarked on constructing the Halls of Justice, a state-of-the-art facility designed to centralize and enhance the nation’s judicial services. This project, initiated in April 2024, aims to address the dispersion of court services across Castries by providing a purpose-built environment for various court divisions, including the Commercial Court. Prime Minister Pierre underscored the significance of this development, noting that the new facility will meet the specialized requirements of modern judicial proceedings, thereby further improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Saint Lucia’s legal system.
In tandem with infrastructural advancements, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) has reported notable progress in enhancing justice delivery through technological integration. The maturation of the electronic litigation system, introduced six years ago, combined with the support of artificial intelligence, has significantly improved the court’s capacity to deliver justice efficiently. Acting Chief Justice Mario Michel highlighted these developments during the commencement of the 2025 law year, emphasizing the court’s commitment to continuous improvement and public engagement to bridge gaps in accessibility and awareness within the judicial system.