Mr. Raymond Anthony
Attorney-General
Ministry of Legal Affairs
Church Street
ST.GEORGE'S

Dear Sir,

Re: Supreme Court Registry

The Grenada Bar Association is alarmed at the continuing intolerable state of affairs existing at the Supreme Court Registry, the nerve centre of operations of the legal system, and the apparent lack of any effort to effectively deal with the situation.

Amidst the already existing 'crisis' at the Registry, the latest development brought to our attention has been the absence for the last three days (since Monday, Jan.5th) of both a functioning Registrar and Deputy-Registrar.

Prior to this development, for several weeks the Deputy-Registrar was forced to carry the burden of the Registry, the Registrar having proceeded on leave with no alternative arrangements being made for the extended period he was scheduled to be out of office.

Now, the Deputy-Registrar has proceeded on leave, effective December 31st, 2003, for an extended period. For several months before, it was well known within the profession that the Deputy-Registrar would have been proceeding on leave at the end of last year.

It is therefore extremely difficult to comprehend the basis for the current intolerable state of affairs.
We understand further, that the person who has been performing the functions of Court Administrator is out, on leave, this entire week. In her case, she has merely been graciously performing the functions of the office of Court Administrator, since she is neither appointed to the position, nor is she receiving the appropriate remuneration for her efforts, notwithstanding her qualifications.

Ironically, all these developments are taking place in the face of the increase of High Court Judges from two (2) to three (3) and the now established visits to Grenada every month by the Master to deal with lengthy Case Management lists.
Further, this intolerable situation has been allowed to develop despite all the ongoing complaints about missing files, missing documents on files, inordinate delays in having various applications processed and the hosts of other administrative and other nightmares.

Now, with the absence of both a Registrar and Deputy-Registrar, the most basic of functions like the taking of oaths, have become a source of serious frustration.
The problems have led to low staff morale at the Registry, frustrated lawyers unable to perform their functions effectively, an increasingly dissatisfied public whom the system is intended to serve, and a general deterioration of the administration of justice.

The current situation needs IMMEDIATE attention. In the premises, we are requesting an urgent meeting with you to discuss some of the pressing problems and the urgent measures required to facilitate the proper administration of justice. This includes proper facilities to accommodate the third Judge and also to accommodate lawyers and clients when the Master is in Grenada for Case Management hearings.

Given the nature of the current problems, the adverse impact on members of the public, the continuing inaction despite the complaints, and the responsibility of the Bar, we are also copying this letter to the media.

The Bar repeats its willingness to work along with all stakeholders to ensure the smooth administration of justice.
We anticipate your prompt and positive response.

Yours sincerely,

Ruggles Ferguson
President