The 2026 Law Year commenced in The Virgin Islands with a Church Service followed by a Special Sitting of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) on Monday 12th January. The Law Year was opened across the Nine (9) Member States and Territories of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in simultaneous sittings under the theme “The ECSC – Justice that Endures- Anchored in Independence, Strengthened Through Trust”

Acting Chief Justice of the ECSC, Her Ladyship the Honourable Madame Justice Margaret Price Findlay’s feature address highlighted the ECSC’s work in 2025 and earlier years to modernise the court’s work, including taking steps to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the ECSC through ongoing digital transformation.

“Over the past year, the ECSC has continued to deliberately build upon its institutional frameworks guided by a clear objective to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and overall quality of justice delivered to the people of the Eastern Caribbean” The Chief Justice continued, “ Justice which endures must be supported by systems, infrastructure and practices that are responsive to contemporary demands while remaining faithful to the court’s constitutional mandate and its core values.”

During the Church Service, Senior Pastor of the Shekinah House of Prayer, Church of God of Prophecy, Da-Ana L. C. Samuel implored the Justices and law practitioners to seek Godly wisdom in the execution of their duties.
“…You need the wisdom of God which is the ability to take the knowledge and the understanding of the knowledge that you have and apply it to any situation to arrive at the right, correct and moral answer. That’s what you need.”

The ECSC will continue its focus on improving access to justice through various infrastructural and technological advancements, and also by means of procedural and policy reforms. The promulgation of the Criminal Procedure Rules within this year will herald another significant milestone in the ECSC's efforts to administer justice efficiently and justly. The ECSC remains unwavering in its protection of and adherence to the rule of law, and to its commitment to the people of the Eastern Caribbean.