By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson said that legislation to allow video conferencing to be used in matters prior to criminal cases going to trial is expected to be brought to parliament shortly.

Speaking at the Legal Year Opening on Wednesday morning, Mrs Maynard-Gibson said that video conferencing, along with other technological measures to be implemented, would improve the efficiency of the  Bahamas’ judiciary and make it the best among the region.

“The effective use of vide oconferencing is a critical tool for efficiency and cost saving” said Mrs Maynard-Gibson, adding that in 2012, “evidence has been received by video conferencing in several cases.”

“Legislation will shortly be brought to Parliament that will enable bails, arraignments, case management and any other application before trial to be conducted by video conference.”

“By January 2014, we hope that Judges and Magistrates will see fit, save in exceptional cases, to bring from Her Majesty’s Prison only persons being tried; all other matters being heard by video conference from the remand centre at the prison.”

The Attorney General also mentioned that consultation between her office, the Courts and the police force will take place this month concerning a new initiative, hoped to be introduced in one year’s time.

“Integrated Justice Software has been acquired and consultation will commence this month with the Courts, the Office of the Attorney General and the Police so that the entire system will be integrated, giving access, as is appropriate to stakeholders.

“We have asked the vendor, to also consult the Bar Association. It is my hope that by this time next year (January 2014), it will be possible at arraignment for the Judge to see all Judges Calendars and to ascertain at the click of a mouse whether there are any scheduling conflicts with any counsel.”

Digital court reporting was the third technological measure the Attorney General spoke of that concerned an efficient judiciary.

“We hope that by the end of 2014, all of our Courts will be equipped for digital recording. We believe that the most efficient justice system in the region will require both Court reporters and digital recording, if we are to remain on the proverbial cutting edge,” the Attorney General said.

“I am grateful for the cooperation of the Judiciary with the changes that are now being implemented upon the advice of the IDB, which is our partner in the implementation of digital recording.

“We hope to have career paths set up within the Court Reporting Unit in time for the next budget,” Mrs Maynard-Gibson added.

Chief Justice Sir Michael Barnet expressed his support and enthusiasm about the introduction of digital recording and other technical measures to improve the court’s efficiency, moreso in the Magistrate’s Court.

“I look forward to the introduction of digital recording to reduce the need for Magistrates to record evidence manually and to quickly produce records for any possible appeal,” the chief justice said, adding that the child support and the maintenance collection method “leave much to be desired”.

“However, no matter what systems we may put in place at the end of the day, is essential for Magistrate themselves to be more aggressive and efficient in their work,” Sir Michael said.