--Thursday, 16 February 2006--

Gov't closer to new court

Chief Minister Dr. Orlando Smith signed a court review consultancy agreement Feb. 7 with attorney Paul Webster, QC, to continue work on establishing a commercial court in the territory.

Mr. Webster is working with lead consultants from the U.K's Essex University to submit a final report on the commercial court to the chief minister. Government signed an agreement with the lead consultants last October. Both consultants will, among other things, review all reports and other documents related to the establishment of a commercial court in the BVI.

They will also identify the constitutional, legal, and legislative requirements related to the establishment of a commercial court, as well as the establishment of a separate court system. In May 2003, an 11-member Court Review Committee was formed to examine the court system with a view to reviewing the adequacy of the existing arrangements for commercial litigation.

Subsequently, in August 2004, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) submitted a report to government noting the "necessity of establishing a commercial court."

The FSC also recommended that a separate court system be created in the territory, which would be independent of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Mr. Webster will be paid $400 per hour, with a maximum of $25,000 per month.

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