Leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have agreed to raise the mandatory retirement age for judges of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) from 65 to 70 years, according to Antigua News Room.
OECS Chairman and Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced the decision following a two-day OECS summit that concluded on Monday. Browne indicated that the matter was discussed with Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Chief Justice Madam Justice Margaret Price-Findlay during the summit.
"One of the recommendations coming out of the discussions with the Chief Justice is that the retirement age for judges should be increased to 70 years of age," Browne said.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the difficulties that arise when judges retire at 65, noting the challenge of recruiting replacements with the requisite expertise and experience. "And that recommendation was certainly met with the approval of heads, so we expect to see some changes in the upcoming maybe weeks and months," Browne added.
The ECSC serves as the superior court of record for the OECS, handling both civil and criminal matters across six independent nations and three British overseas territories: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands.
Headquartered in St. Lucia, the court comprises two primary divisions. The High Court of Justice serves as the court of first instance for trials and hearings in each member state, while the Court of Appeal functions as an itinerant court, travelling between islands to hear appeals from the High Court and local Magistrates' courts.
