The Court Services Act 2023 (the Act) has officially come into effect as of 1 July, 2024. This landmark and transformative legislation represents a significant step forward in the modernization and efficiency of our judicial system. The objectives of the Act are –

1. to enhance the independence of the judiciary by placing the courts under the administration of an autonomous body;
2. to confer on such body the power to provide courts with administrative facilities and services necessary for the proper administration of justice;
3. to enable the judiciary to manage its administrative and financial affairs; and
4. to promote transparency and accountability in the administration of justice.

The Act establishes the Court Services Council (the Council) which shall be responsible for providing administration and support services for the courts. The functions of the Council are-

1. to manage all matters related to the administration of the courts;
2. to provide support services for judicial officers;
3. to manage real and personal property under the control of the Council;
4. to ensure adherence by judicial officers and staff of the Council to any administrative policies and guidelines established by the Board and to oversee the implementation of the policies and guidelines;
5. to appoint such staff as it considers necessary on such terms and conditions, and to exercise such disciplinary control as the Council may determine;
6. to establish the qualifications for the appointment of staff;
7. to provide facilities and court services necessary to enable the courts and their staff to effectively and efficiently function;
8. to provide training and education for judicial officers and staff of the Council.

The Act provides for a Board of Directors of the Council, which shall have responsibility for:

1. determining the administrative and financial policies and guidelines to be observed by the courts;
2. giving general or specific directions with respect to the administrative and financial matters of the courts as the Board deems necessary for carrying out the objectives of the Act.

I am also pleased to announce that the first members of the Board of Directors of the Council are: Chief Justice Sir Ian Winder Kt. (Chairman); President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Mr. Justice Jon Isaacs MB; Hon. Madam Justice Guillimina Archer-Minns; Supreme Court Registrar, Mrs. Constance Delancy; His Worship Chief Magistrate, Mr Roberto Reckley; Mr Herbert Cash, CPA; Mrs. Khrystle Rutherford-Ferguson; President of the Bahamas Bar Association, Mr Kahlil Parker KC; and Court of Appeal Registrar, Miss Kristina Wallace Whitfield.

The Board of Directors of the Council will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Act and developing the initial infrastructure of the Council. Their collective expertise and commitment to justice will be invaluable as we work towards a more effective and responsive judicial system.

We extend our gratitude to all those who contributed to the development and passage of this important legislation.