Bar says court reforms will suit economic boom
17.09.2009
The court reforms proposed by Chief Justice Frederick Egonda-Ntende on Tuesday will match an expected economic boom, Bar Association of Seychelles chairman Anthony Derjacques has said.
He was giving his reaction to a series of announcements made by Mr Egonda-Ntende when he addressed members of the judiciary and the Bar as the Supreme Court reopened.
He said as the economy and the offshore industry accelerate, the courts need to be able to adapt so as to cope, otherwise they will face major challenges.
Mr Derjacques noted that the consultations Mr Egonda-Ntende proposed will involve such organisations as the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as other bodies normally affected by court decisions.
He said the chief justice touched on all the important aspects of the judiciary and he welcomed the proposal for the Supreme Court to be autonomous with financial backing.
He agreed with what the chief justice said about the delay in cases caused by lawyers wishing to extend their clients’ freedom by asking for case adjournments.
He added that Mr Egonda-Ntende was right to say there are not enough judges. He hoped that when more are recruited, extra magistrates will be too, and he called on Seychellois to show an interest in becoming judges and magistrates.
“For once all parties in Seychelles, including political parties and commissions that have made reports and members of the Bar Association of Seychelles, are working together and talking,” said Mr Derjacques.
“There is more emphasis on the independence of the judiciary and, as you saw, more lawyers turned up for the ceremony today than in previous years.”
Saying he has held talks with the judge, during which he gave him the views of the association, Mr Derjacques also welcomed the proposal for consultative meetings.
“The chief justice was talking of involving the people from organisations that have an interest in the decisions of the courts and how those decisions can affect things in the country,” he said.
“Besides our association, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the employers’ organisations and other non-governmental organisations need to bring in their ideas because the judge needs not only vertical but also horizontal input.”
Mr Egonda-Ntende said there is a need to develop a strategic plan that will encourage partners to take part in the reform. He said the plan must be costed and time-bound, with known and measurable outcomes against which it can be monitored and evaluated.
“I am happy President James Michel has signalled his firm commitment to support reform efforts in modernising the judiciary,” he said.
“I am glad too that the Minister of Finance has indicated his willingness to work with us to produce the strategic plan and to make provision for the urgent acquisition of much-needed equipment in the judiciary.
“I have no doubt in my mind that what ought to be done to get us to our destination and vision can be done. A fair, independent and impartial judiciary that hears and determines the cases that come before it in a timely manner is on the threshold.
“To realise our vision for the judiciary, there must be increased investment in terms of financial resources, a retooling of the judiciary and a renewed attitude to excel at whatever task each one of us is entrusted with in the judiciary.
“We must re-examine our processes and determine if they are fit for the purpose. If not, we must re-engineer them so as to achieve the best possible processes as mandated by the Constitution.
“Our model of work must be a model of continuous improvement. Let us roll up our sleeves and go to work to create a centre of excellence.”