The demand for a permanent court to handle the bourgeoning financial sector and growing number of commercial lawsuits within the VI, and the region as a whole, was central to the opening remarks, offered by Acting Chief Justice Sir Brian Alleyne.

Speaking on Thursday at the Long Bay Hotel and Resort, Sir Brian told lawyers and justices that because the VI has one of the most dynamic economies in the region, the territory demanded the full resources of the Court.

“There was a time not so long ago, where the VI did not have a resident judge, and was served by a judge who came here once or twice a year. That in those days was adequate. Today, that would be quite impossible,” he said.

During his welcome remarks, Governor David Pearey paid tribute to the high quality of commercial judgements already made by the VI ECSC Justices, Indra Hariprashad-Charles and Rita Joseph-Olivetti, and congratulated the workshop organizers for having the “vision for such an important gathering.”

Mr. Pearey also confirmed the government had allocated funds and selected a site for the future court.

“The location of the new commercial court has been selected.  The necessary funds have been identified by the VI government to convert this building to a court with facilities that we hope will fully match international standards,” he said.

Although the ECSC historically promotes from within its ranks, international candidates for the new position are being considered.

“Recruitment of a commercial court judge has begun with the intention of attracting a person with recognised abilities and experience in the field and fully able to establish the new court and help train the other judges,” the governor said.

Read the full story in the April 3, 2008 issue of The BVI Beacon.