Lashley prioritises access to justice in reform agenda

Top criminal defence attorney Michael Lashley vowed Monday to spearhead sweeping criminal justice reforms prioritising access for ordinary Barbadians, vowing to slash court backlogs and cut crime through faster trials as the new minister for legal affairs and criminal justice.

Lashley spoke to reporters at Monday’s swearing-in ceremony for the Cabinet at CARIFESTA House, outlining an ambitious reform agenda centred on improving access to justice and modernising the island’s criminal justice system.

“Well, of course, as you realise, I’ve been saying legal affairs and the criminal justice reform, and as you know, I have a love for the topic of criminal justice reform,” Lashley said.

He explained that meaningful reform must be approached on three key fronts: “One, access to justice, two, making the criminal justice system more accessible to the ordinary man, and thirdly, making it more efficient.”

Central to his vision is ensuring that ordinary Barbadians can navigate the justice system without undue barriers. Lashley suggested that accessibility is not only about physical access to the courts, but also about simplifying processes, reducing backlogs and ensuring that people understand their rights and obligations under the law.

He said: “I always believe that cases in the criminal justice system that we need to make it a speedier process in terms of getting cases through the system, [which] results in a reduction in crime [as] studies internationally have shown.”

Lashley argued that delays in hearing and concluding matters can erode public confidence in the system and may even embolden criminal behaviour. By contrast, a system that resolves cases in a timely manner, he suggested, serves as both a deterrent and a reassurance to victims and communities.

The senior counsel also emphasised that criminal justice reform must balance the rights of the accused with the needs of victims.

“I certainly believe that when we look at criminal justice reform, you’re not only looking at accused persons or persons who have been convicted, but you also have to look at the victims too. So we have to tailor our approach to victims.”

He stressed that reform cannot occur in isolation, noting that issues of crime and justice intersect with social development, youth engagement and community support structures.

“It’s extremely important because it really cuts across various ministries. So obviously, we have to collaborate with other ministers, but my focus will be on reaching those who are at risk.

Reaching those who are already in the system to tailor programs and, of course, looking at the younger persons too, those between 11 and 15, so that we can bring programmes to them to get them involved in wholesome activities.”