TCI Judiciary Unveils Five-Year Plan to Modernise Courts and Improve Access to Justice
The Turks and Caicos Islands Judiciary has launched a five-year strategic plan aimed at modernising court operations, improving access to justice and developing a permanent judicial complex by 2030.
The Judiciary Strategic Plan 2026–2030 was unveiled on Friday, October 30, at the Supreme Court Annex in Providenciales, alongside new Customer Service Charters. It outlines 30 initiatives designed to strengthen judicial services, institutional accountability and public confidence.
The plan identifies five strategic outcomes: resilient, climate-ready and permanently housed justice infrastructure; standardised, accessible and user-centred court services; a digitally enabled and data-driven Judiciary; strengthened public trust and confidence; and results-driven, accountable and well-governed judicial administration.
Chief Justice Mrs. Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards said the plan provides a framework for strengthening the Judiciary's institutional capacity and preparing it to meet future demands.
Quoting Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish," she emphasised the importance of strategic planning in achieving institutional objectives.
She also referenced leadership expert John Maxwell's observation that "a vision without a strategy remains an illusion."
The Chief Justice explained that effective administration of justice requires more than judicial decisions. It also depends on efficient systems, adequate infrastructure and accessible services.
The plan, themed "Strengthening Our Judiciary Today to Meet the Demands of Justice Tomorrow," was developed through consultations involving judges, magistrates, registrars, court employees and regional judicial stakeholders.
Permanent Judicial Complex a Priority
A major initiative is the development of permanent, climate-resilient judicial facilities, with October 2030 identified as the target for the infrastructure project.
The proposed complex is intended to address challenges associated with rented and dispersed court facilities while improving security, accessibility and business continuity.
Strategic plan consultant Dwaine Forbes identified the judicial complex as a priority and outlined measures to strengthen operational resilience, digital systems and performance monitoring.
Governor Calls for Measurable Improvements
Governor Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam welcomed the plan, saying judicial independence and accountability are complementary principles.
She said an independent Judiciary must be protected from interference while remaining committed to examining its performance and improving its services.
Reflecting on 50 years of ministerial government, the Governor stressed the importance of the rule of law, fair dispute resolution and public confidence in democratic institutions.
She acknowledged improvements in legal aid, duty counsel, mediation, court procedures and digital case management.
However, she said further investment must produce measurable results.
"Better infrastructure should enable greater resilience, better technology should enable greater efficiency, better data should enable stronger accountability and greater capability should mean better justice," she said.
The Governor also highlighted the personal consequences of delays for accused persons, victims, families and businesses awaiting court decisions.
"Delay is not experienced as a performance indicator, it is experienced personally," she said.
She urged cooperation among the Judiciary, police, prosecutors, legal profession, government and other justice partners.
The Governor said the plan's success should ultimately be assessed through improvements experienced by court users.
"Public confidence in justice is not created by what institutions say about themselves, it is earned through what citizens experience of them," she said.
Government Pledges Support
Deputy Premier Hon. Jamell Robinson reaffirmed the Government's commitment to supporting judicial reform, acknowledging that implementation would require financial resources and sustained cooperation.
"As a government, we recognize that a strong, independent, and well-resourced judiciary is essential to our country's progress," Robinson said.
He also welcomed the Customer Service Charters, emphasising the importance of improving services provided to the public.
Customer Service Standards Introduced
The Judiciary introduced two Customer Service Charters, one for court users and another for judicial staff.
Chief Justice Cummings-Edwards said the charters establish standards for professionalism, courtesy, communication and accountability.
Prepared in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole, the documents are intended to improve accessibility for the territory's diverse population.
Suggestion boxes, complaint cards and other feedback mechanisms have also been introduced, with customer satisfaction surveys planned.
Bar Council Welcomes Reforms
TCI Bar Council President Mark Fulford pledged the legal profession's support for the strategic plan, emphasising the importance of timely decisions and respectful treatment of court users.
"Behind every case number is a person, a family, a business, or a community awaiting an answer," Fulford said.
He called for continued investment in staff training, technology and access to justice, while stressing that digital reforms must accommodate individuals unfamiliar with electronic systems.
Previous Plan Reviewed
Forbes reported that the Judiciary's 2020–2025 strategic plan contained 25 initiatives, of which 48 percent were achieved, 28 percent partially achieved and 24 percent not achieved.
Achievements included the establishment of the Judicial Education Institute, improvements to legal aid, sentencing guidelines, remote hearings and electronic court systems.
The new plan introduces clearer implementation responsibilities, stronger monitoring arrangements and an emphasis on measurable results.
It also proposes an annual Judiciary performance report and a strategic management oversight committee.
The Judiciary will use the 2026–2030 framework to guide improvements in infrastructure, court efficiency, digital transformation and public accountability over the next five years.
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