Antigua and Barbuda has expressed strong support for a recent proposal advocating for judge-alone trials in the United Kingdom, aimed at addressing the substantial backlog of criminal cases.

This initiative mirrors a similar approach implemented in Antigua and Barbuda four years ago.

Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin highlighted the significance of this proposal, asserting that it validates his government’s decision to adopt judge-alone trials back in 2021. This decision was made in response to the growing backlog of cases exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We were pioneers in this regard,” Sir Steadroy stated in an interview with journalist Everton Barnes. “This new focus on judge-alone trials confirms that we are not only ahead of many nations but also serve as a trendsetter within our judicial system,” he added

Sir Steadroy emphasized Antigua and Barbuda’s position as a leader, stating, “We continually punch above our weight class. As some have said, ‘we likle but we tallawah’.”

Recent media reports from the UK indicate that thousands of cases traditionally heard by juries could instead be adjudicated by judges alone, following recommendations from former senior judge Sir Brian Leveson.

Tasked by the Lord Chancellor to propose measures to alleviate the backlog in criminal courts, Sir Brian has suggested fundamental reforms to prevent what he termed a potential collapse of the system.

Currently, there are nearly 77,000 cases awaiting trial in England and Wales, leaving many defendants and victims in a state of prolonged uncertainty. Sir Brian’s recommendations specifically include the option of judge-only trials for cases involving fraud and bribery.