The final step in the setting up of a court, which specifically handles commercial cases in an efficient and businesslike manner, was completed this morning with the ribbon cutting, and handing over of keys that marked the opening of the Eastern Caribbean Commercial Court.
The reformed edifice officially became of the home of the court on Friday and was praised highly by the speakers of the ceremony, beginning with the Chairperson V. Inez Archibald.
In his opening remarks His Excellency Governor David Pearey announced that “this” day has been long awaited and gave brief mention of how the idea originated over 10 years ago. He announced that the dream for the court arose with the dream to see the treatment of commercial litigation increase in the OECS.
“Given the importance of financial services for the BVI, this may be one of the most important projects,” his Excellency said.
Governor Pearey added that through the opening of the court building he would hope to demonstrate with clarity that the BVI is open for business. This, the Governor explained will demonstrate the Territory’s aim to match international standard right through the board.
“The court has already been in existence in the last six months in less than prestigious surroundings. There is nothing temporary about this building, this is the commercial court building full-stop,” His Excellency declared.
In a short description of the aesthetic beauty of the building, Governor Pearey pointed out that the new court is well insolated inside as a precaution to block out outside noise, “We could have done no better, this is teamwork at its best teamwork between the public and private sector.”
Premier Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal said that he hopes it will be the last time the building changes hand, name, ownership and use. He reminded that the previous government bought the building from Banco Popular for $800,000, a deal which Hon. O’Neal described as a good investment.
“When this Territory was chosen as headquarter for the commercial court my government did not hesitate to provide the building,” the BVI Leader said before recalling when Chief Justice of the Eastern Supreme Court, Hugh Rawlins and him signed the memorandum of understanding, and stated that it took time for the decision to be made to have the court established.
Hon. Justice Michael Gordon, QC. Acting Justice of Appeal for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court announced that a country is dependent on the delivery of justice, and noted that justice should be delivered in a timely manner. “Your commercial division comes just in time, your people demanded it and your financial sector required it…. I hear there may be efforts to disseminate more widely the decisions of that court on the Eastern Caribbean Court website, I hope that comes to pass.”
Hon. Justice Edward Bannister, QC. Commercial Court Judge told the gathering that he feels honoured to be among the first occupants of the building, and mentioned that the new court building sets a high standard for efficiency and comforts: “I plan to exploit the building’s facilities and make good use of them. We will ensure that it doesn’t become a white elephant, but rather a benefit to the community….this court could not function without the support of those of us that work within it.”
Gerard Farara QC, Member of the BVI Bar Association announced that this will make the first time in history that a building that is dedicated to serve the entire OECS has been built here. He further pointed out that the Virgin Islands is best positioned to become the astute location when the settling of disputes of a commercial nature is critical.
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