Chief Justice Calls for Independent “Office of the Judiciary” to Strengthen Courts

Chief Justice Sir Leslie Haynes is urging the creation of a fully independent Office of the Judiciary, a move he says is essential to guarantee the separation of powers and modernize Barbados’ justice system.

Delivering his address at the opening of the 2025–2026 Legal Year at the Supreme Court Complex yesterday, Sir Leslie declared that the time has come for the administration and funding of the courts to be removed from the Office of the Attorney General.

“The next step should be the preparation of a Cabinet paper and, if approved, the enactment of legislation to create the Office of the Judiciary,” he said.

“This will allow the judiciary to control its own administration and finances while remaining accountable to the people of Barbados.”

The Chief Justice revealed that his proposal follows a historic first meeting between CARICOM Heads of Government and Heads of Judiciary, where regional leaders agreed that judiciaries must have independence “but not isolation” and that justice systems must be properly funded to meet modern standards.

While acknowledging progress in clearing case backlogs and expanding digital access, Sir Leslie stressed that “true reform begins with structural autonomy” and a culture change across the courts.

He argued that an Office of the Judiciary would enable the courts to set budgets, oversee staff, and implement technology upgrades without political interference, creating “a judiciary that is both independent and responsive to the public it serves.”

The Chief Justice also highlighted ongoing efforts to digitize records, expand virtual hearings, and ensure certainty of trial dates, but maintained that these initiatives require the “firm foundation” of administrative independence.

If Cabinet accepts the proposal, Barbados would join a growing number of Caribbean jurisdictions that have moved to give their judiciaries greater control over operations and financing—a shift that legal analysts say could be the most significant change to the island’s justice system since independence.