Barbados Government Defends Bill Changing Criminal Trial Procedures

Barbados’ proposed Administration of Justice Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2026 would end the long-standing practice of unsworn statements from the dock in criminal trials. Under the change, accused people who want to testify would have to take the witness stand and face cross-examination, a move Minister Michael Lashley says would modernise the justice system and make it fairer to victims.

Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nicholls defended a bill that would require accused people who testify in criminal trials to do so under oath or affirmation, saying it would make courts fairer and more reliable while preserving the right to remain silent. The legislation also expands procedures for hostile witnesses, allows electronic transcripts, and updates Magistrates’ Court and criminal procedure rules to reduce delays and modernise trials.

Minister Kirk Humphrey warned that delays in the justice system can harm families, children and the job prospects of people waiting for cases to be resolved. Speaking in debate on proposed changes to the Evidence Act and Criminal Procedure Act, he also backed new rules for adverse witnesses, saying courts need a way to handle testimony that changes.

Barbados’ proposed Administration of Justice Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2026 would end the practice of accused people making unsworn statements from the dock, requiring anyone who wants to testify to take the witness stand and face cross-examination. Legal Affairs Minister Michael Lashley says the reform would modernise criminal trials and create a fairer process for victims and defendants.

Acting Attorney General Gregory Nicholls says long-promised criminal procedure rules are still being developed through the Administration of Justice Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2026, which aims to make criminal trials fairer and more effective. He also said the Magistrates’ Courts have been neglected, noting that their governing law has been in place since 2000.

Acting Attorney General Gregory Nicholls said long-promised criminal procedure rules are still being developed, with the Administration of Justice Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2026 intended to make criminal trials fairer and more efficient. He also said the Magistrates’ Courts have received too little attention, despite the courts act dating back to 2000.

Acting Attorney General Gregory Nicholls says the long-promised Criminal Procedure Rules are still being developed, with the Administration of Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 intended to make criminal trials fairer and more efficient. Speaking in the House of Assembly, he also said the Magistrates’ Courts need more attention, noting the current act dates back to 2000.

Criminal justice minister Michael Lashley has defended Barbados’ Administration of Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, which would abolish unsworn dock statements, add rules for hostile witnesses, and allow transcripts of recorded evidence in court. He said the changes would modernise trials, reduce delays, and make the system fairer while preserving safeguards for accused people.