A TEAM of high-level international legal experts will stage a three-week training mission for the judiciary and auxiliary workers in the Bahamas.

In a press statement yesterday, Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson said the team would further realise the government’s Swift Justice initiative.

The legal experts arrived in the country on November 8 and will begin training of the judiciary on November 12.

The team includes: Dame Linda Dobbs, DBE, the United Kingdom’s first person of colour appointed to the high courts; Judge Roger Chapple, a UK senior circuit court judge; Ben Yallop, a senior listing officer; and Stuart Hill, a justice system administrator.

Experts will work with prosecutors, the judiciary, defence counsel and the court reporting unit to assess challenges, provide training and strengthen internal communication during a three week official mission in the Bahamas.

Mrs Maynard-Gibson said: “We have to be more transparent and more fully accountable about the challenges we are facing; that is what the Bahamian people deserve and expect. While these challenges are our own, they are not unique to the Bahamas and this visiting team allows us to access the expertise of those who’ve helped others overcome similar obstacles.

“I am excited about the team we have been able to pull together,” she added. “Their work will support the progress we’ve already made.”

The initiative was financed by an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) grant to support the government in tackling the challenge of the lengthy turnaround times of criminal cases.

According to the release, Dame Linda has more than ten years of international experience in training the British, American, African and Caribbean judiciaries in efficient and effective case management. Judge Chapple will also assist with case management, while Mr Yallop will work to implement recommendations to improve court reporting functions. Mr Hill will advise on jury administration and the implementation of necessary reforms, according to the statement, which highlighted that jury summonsing has consistently been an issue for criminal justice courts.

Mrs Maynard-Gibson also said: “Old cases are being thoroughly reviewed and prepared. Communication, cooperation and collaboration between the Office of the Attorney General and stakeholders has led to excellent outcomes – utilizing existing resources.

She added: “Bahamians do not want business as usual. They want change and they want it now. The good news is that everyone working together, including the Bahamian public, guided by the expertise of this team will transform the system thereby truly enabling Swift Justice.”

Experts arrived in Nassau on November 8 and judiciary training begins on Thursday.