The new legal year of the Judiciary officially opened on Wednesday with the usual pomp and circumstances.

The day begun with a procession of the members of the legal fraternity marching west on Bay Street to George Street where they attended a church service at Christ Church Cathedral.  Following the service they moved to the Margaritaville Hotel ballroom where they were addressed first by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Sen. Hon. Ryan Pinder.

During his presentation Pinder highlighted some of the accomplishments of his office in their efforts to modernize the Judiciary and address case backlogs.  He said, “the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has for the year 2024 disposed of 194 matters in the Supreme Court of The Bahamas.  These matters, of course, range from murder, armed robbery, rape, unlawful sexual intercourse, possession of unlicensed firearm, arson, burglary, stealing and vehicular manslaughter.”

The Attorney General assured the body that the government takes allegations of corruption both internationally and domestically very seriously.  “Whether the allegations are against our armed forces or any other government agency or official.”

President of the Bahamas Bar Association, Khalil Parker, KC used his remarks to remind those in attendance that advocates and judges are not adversaries but partners working together to preserve the rule of law and promote the administration of justice.

The audience of attorneys and judges along with the new Commissioner of Police, Shanta Knowles in her capacity as the Provost Marshall and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Munroe were also addressed by Chief Justice Sir Ian Winder.   Among the topics that he spoke about was the implementation of the Court Services Act which has given the Judiciary greater independence.  He said, “by placing the court under the administration of an autonomous body conferring on that body the power to provide the courts with administrative facilities and services necessary for the proper administration of justice.  To enable the Judiciary to manage its administrative and financial affairs and to promote transparency and accountability in the administration of justice.”