Court of Appeal Holds Special Two-Day Sitting in Grand Bahama

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GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – This week marks a historic moment for the country’s judicial branch, as the Court of Appeal sat outside of the capital for the first time in nearly two decades.

The historic event took place on Grand Bahama on September 9, spanning a two-day period.

The Court of Appeal, which is the highest court in the country, functions independently as a judicial body separate from the government and the Lower Supreme Court.

Its president, Justice Milton Evans, was present in Grand Bahama for the special sitting, accompanied by Chief Justice Sir Ian Winder, and Justice Gregory Smith.

However, before the commencement of the initial hearing, a briefing was held.

During that briefing, Justice Evans expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to making this event possible, noting that their objective is to showcase the Court of Appeal as a national justice system.

Justice Milton Evans – President, The Bahamas Court of Appeal

“This will be the first time that The Bahamas Court of Appeal will be sitting outside of the island of New Providence since I think 2008. And so we thought it fitting that we would come and give the island of Grand Bahama, an opportunity see that this is in fact the Court of Appeal of The Bahamas and not just Nassau.”

Magistrates, judges, students from the University of the Bahamas, and the Bahamas Technical Vocational Institute (BTVI), along with members of the public, were present at the sitting.

Chief Justice Sir Ian Winder emphasized that this initiative aims not only to ensure access to the justice system, but also to allow residents to “see and feel” justice spans across the country.

Justice Milton Evans – President, The Bahamas Court of Appeal

“In Grand Bahama this is the only place, only center outside of New Providence where there is actually a complete court structure. You have three supreme court judges, you have three registrars ,you have four magistrates. No other community in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas has such conveniences…”

Justice Gregory Smith emphasizes a point, saying only by witnessing the system in action will our citizens develop both understanding and appreciation for the branch.

Justice Milton Evans – President, The Bahamas Court of Appeal

“While this is only a start, while there are only few matters, it gives people a chance to connect in their communities to justice being delivered.”