Paray: Judicial officers need training

Senior Multimedia Reporter

radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt

Mayaro MP Rushton Paray is calling for the establishment of a Judicial Oversight Committee to monitor the assignment of judges and ensure transparency.

Speaking during a debate of the Civil Division Bill, 2024, Paray said, “Accountability is key to maintaining public trust in our legal system. An independent body will ensure fairness in the allocation of judicial resources.”

Paray said a critical aspect of this reform is specialised training for judges and court staff.

“Judges need to be equipped with the necessary skills to manage cases effectively within their respective divisions,” he said. “Without proper training, we risk undermining the very reforms we seek to implement.”

Noting that the Bill allows for electronic hearings, which could revolutionise the court system, Paray warned that access to technology is a concern for many citizens and it was important to consider how to include everyone, especially those in rural areas or with limited resources.

“Incorporating digital inclusion provisions will help bridge this gap,” he said

Paray also expressed concern about the exclusion of certain claims, such as defamation, from small claims courts. He said this could disproportionately affect low-income individuals who may not have the means to pursue cases in higher courts.

“We need to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to justice without facing additional financial burdens. Extending the jurisdiction of small claims courts to accommodate small-value defamation cases would be a step in the right direction,” he said

Paray said the proposed financial limits in Small Claims Courts could also act as a barrier as “individuals with claims exceeding these limits might be discouraged from seeking justice.” This could create inequities within the system, he said.

“It is crucial to reassess these limits to ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to seek redress. We should explore the possibility of waiving fees for low-income claimants to further promote access,” he suggested

Stressing the importance of public legal education, the Mayaro MP recommended awareness campaigns to help citizens understand the new structures and processes within the civil justice system.

“We must ensure that the public is informed about their rights and the avenues available to them,” he said. “This should be a priority in our outreach efforts.”

The new Bill introduces three main components: Civil Courts, Small Claims Courts, and an Estates Administration Office, each designed to handle specific types of cases, to reduce the backlog in the High Court.

Paray said the establishment of these courts would facilitate more efficient processing of civil matters and allow for quicker resolutions.

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