THE EDITOR: OPEN letter to Minister of Justice Devesh Maharaj:
Congratulations on your appointment.
The track record of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC's commitment to reform and equity is shown by the re-establishment of the Ministry of Justice, which underscores a vision where the pursuit of justice is not merely a legal concept, but a lived reality for all citizens.
This is a pivotal moment to address systemic inequities and ensure that our legal institutions serve as a shield for the vulnerable and a catalyst for societal progress.
The Legal Aid and Advisory Authority (LAAA), established over five decades ago, remains a cornerstone of our nation’s justice system, ensuring equitable access to legal representation for those most vulnerable marginalised communities.
Its legacy has largely been shaped by past distinguished directors/chairmen, most recently Gilbert Peterson SC and Israel Khan SC, whose tenures left an indelible mark on the authority’s ethos.
Yet, despite its foundation strengths, the LAAA now faces urgent modernisation challenges. To fulfil its mandate of providing equitable legal representation, it must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing society – and your government’s pledge to uplift the “forgotten people” offers a critical opportunity to do so.
The LAAA matters now more than ever. Access to justice remains a privilege, rather than a guaranteed right, for many, particularly in areas where deep-rooted systemic inequities persist. The LAAA bridges this divide.
Its mission to provide free legal services is not just a bureaucratic obligation – it is a moral imperative. A justice system that excludes fails to serve the poor, the marginalised, and the voiceless, and ultimately erodes the foundation of our democracy itself.
In a society where systemic inequities persist, the authority must serve as both a protective shield for the vulnerable and a catalyst for societal transformation. Crucial to our roles as attorneys, we have a duty to consistently champion the principle that justice must be accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status. Now is the time!
There is a need for a bold, strategic vision to modernise the LAAA operations, enhance service delivery, and expand its reach and relevance in today’s society.
It is humbly suggested that to achieve this, inter alia, the following three pillars of reform be implemented: (1) Expanding access through grassroots outreach. (2) Strengthening pro bono partnerships. (3) Embracing digital transformation and technology.
Expanding access through grassroots outreach by educational campaigns and community consultations will empower rural and remote populations. Legal literacy is the first step to justice foundation of empowerment. For example:
* Community legal workshops partnering with community leaders and schools to educate citizens on their rights,
* Mobile legal clinics into marginalised areas to connect individuals with legal aid,
* Youth engagement introducing legal literacy programmes in schoo
