ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC):

The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court of Appeal is taking proposals to heads of the sub-regional grouping for the development of court buildings in the eastern Caribbean chain.

Acting Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court of Appeal, Sir Brian Alleyne says the physical conditions of certain courts in the region are cause for concern.

"We are aware of the terrible state of many of the magistrate's courts and the fact that people who appear before the court must exist in very primitive conditions," Alleyne told journalist while attending reunion celebrations in Dominica.

He says the Roseau Magistrate's Court is an area of special concern to the magistracy.

"For people waiting to be heard, they have no place to sit. They sit out in the open on the streets and if there is rain, they get wet. So we are putting forward proposals to create court buildings throughout the OECS territories," Justice Alleyne revealed.

Looking to improve efficiency

In addition to improving the physical infrastructure of the court, Alleyne says the magistracy is also looking at ways to improve efficiency at the regions courts.

"We are seeking to develop the criminal procedure rules so that we speed up the processing of criminal cases," the Dominican-born jurist said.

Meantime, persons addressing the court may no longer have to call magistrates "your lordship".

Justice Alleyne says regional magistrates are looking to change the names of magistrates.

"It is felt that changing the name of magistrates to district judges would enhance the image. Some people object to calling magistrates your worship for religious reasons and we are looking to changing that to your honour," he said.