The Saint Lucia Legal Aid Authority officially observed 13 years of service to the nation on November 21. However, these years have not been without their fair share of challenges, many of which continue to affect the organisation today.
The Legal Aid Authority, like similar institutions, was established to provide access to justice for citizens who are unable to afford legal representation. This mission aligns with the Legal Aid Act of Saint Lucia No. 6 of 2008, which aims to ensure the “grant by the State of Legal Aid and Advice to persons of insufficient means in civil and criminal cases.”
This offering is particularly crucial in Saint Lucian society, where many locals struggle to pay the legal fees associated with private lawyers. The Legal Aid Authority offers services such as the formulation of legal letters, notices of eviction, warning letters, statutory declarations, wills and testaments, divorce proceedings, deed polls or name changes, mediation, small succession matters, and letters of administration.
However, the Authority has lamented the heavy workload faced by its staff, alongside financial constraints, as highlighted in the official anniversary press release.
Plans are underway to address these challenges, including a revamp of the organisational structure to better serve the public’s needs.
“While the Authority is grateful for the attorneys presently on staff, the workload continues to be overwhelming, and the backlog of cases remains high. The process is underway to add a third attorney to the staff this month. Legal Aid plans, in the near future, to transition into a ‘Department’ of government, with a full complement of staff. A Legal Aid Clinic is being considered for next year” the statement said.
“At 13, the Legal Aid Authority has earned its place on our country’s legal landscape. Though the Authority requires more financial resources to fulfill its mandate, credit is due to succeeding governments who continue to recognize the importance of such an institution, which empowers citizens who lack the financial means to seek justice. The Authority also appreciates the contributions of private lawyers who offer pro bono services on behalf of the poor, the underprivileged, the vulnerable, and juveniles who qualify for legal aid.”
The Authority intends to soldier on and is hoping for further assistance from the government and the general society, as it strives to meet the needs of the less privileged.
