Law professionals in the Virgin Islands gathered for the Opening of the Law Year 2026 service at Shekinah House of Prayer Church of God of Prophecy on Monday, January 12, 2025. Photo: Facebook

Registrar of the High Court Vareen Vanterpool-Nibbs has called on law professionals in the Virgin Islands to approach the new law year with a renewed sense of purpose. Photo: Facebook

The theme for the 2026 Law Year is ‘The ECSC: Justice that Endures- Anchored in Independence, Strengthened through Trust’, focusing on the court's resilience, autonomy, and public confidence. Photo: ECSC

Law professionals in the Virgin Islands gathered for the Opening of the Law Year 2026 service at Shekinah House of Prayer Church of God of Prophecy on Monday, January 12, 2025. 

The theme for the 2026 Law Year is ‘The ECSC: Justice that Endures- Anchored in Independence, Strengthened through Trust’, focusing on the court's resilience, autonomy, and public confidence. 

Reaffirmation of our collective agreement

Mrs Vanterpool-Nibbs said the day not only marks the commencement of a new legal year, but also a “reaffirmation of our collective agreement to justice, service and the rule of law”. 

She added that they gather with a renewed sense of purpose as the past year reminded them that the justice system must continuously evolve to meet the needs of VI societies, which grow more complex with each passing year. 

“Through resilience and collaboration, our courts, our judicial officers, our admin staff have worked tirelessly to uphold the fair and timely administration of justice.”

Our mission remains the same

The new law year, she continued, is an opportunity to reflect on achievements, examine challenges with honesty and recommit to strengthening public trust and confidence in the legal system- whether through modernisation of court processes, improved case management, or greater access to justice. 

“Our mission remains the same, which is to serve the people of these islands with fairness, transparency, and integrity. As we embark on this year, 2026, we do so with courage, clarity and a steadfast commitment to justice.”

Mrs Vanterpool-Nibbs wished that the year brings continued progress, strengthened partnerships and renewed determination in carrying out their shared responsibilities as legal practitioners. 

A special offering collected during the service will be donated for charity purposes. 

The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court held its official opening services and special sitting in Dominica, where Her Ladyship the Honourable Margaret Price Findlay, Acting Chief Justice, delivered the keynote address from the High Court in Dominica.