Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions at the Forefront: Transforming Access to Justice in the Caribbean

In this article, Deborah Bryan interviews Mr. Theo Jones, Director of Legal Services at The Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions

The Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions (CAJS), founded in 2016, has become one of the most fundamental organizations in the Caribbean catering to the development of access to justice in the region. I had the wonderful opportunity to sit with the Director of Legal Services, Mr. Theo Jones, to gain insight into this regional non-profit organization that has been transforming the operation of the justice system in the Caribbean, initiative by initiative. Mr. Jones serves as the organization’s most senior legal officer and is mainly involved with various types of law including corporate law, governance, commercial law and much more. In speaking on why he joined the Agency, he shared that his values were aligned with the shared values of the agency, and he recognized an organization that would help to accelerate the transformation of the justice sector in the Caribbean. He described how his unique legal position in having a law degree as well as a masters in technology and business, enabled him to assist in connecting the law itself with the technology and innovation.

The foundation upon which CAJS operates on a day to day basis is ‘in service of justice’. In order to enable greater effective access to justice in the Caribbean, Jones explained that it would mean recognizing the ‘bottlenecks’ or the slow progression of development in the legal profession and how technology can be used to revolutionize how persons are able to access justice as a result. He further stated, “A society cannot aspire to be world-class or competitive if its fundamental pillars are underdeveloped. The justice sector is a core pillar of any modern society. That’s why at CAJS, everything we do is in service of justice. Our mission is to expand access to justice, accelerate the pace at which it is delivered, and ensure transparent, equal access to the law. These are some of the values of the organization.”

CAJS has undertaken numerous ground breaking initiatives that have paved the way in shaping the future of the Caribbean legal community. The Agency is best known for offering the region’s first indigenous set of technology tools to help to digitize courts through a software platform known as the Curia Court Management Suite. It is a set of software applications that aid in case management and e-filing seeking to move courts away from paper-based processes. The Caribbean Court of Justice installed Curia in 2017 citing that technology will contribute to its efficiency and responsiveness. However, technology is not the only tool CAJS implores in its fight to enable greater access to justice. It also focuses on advocacy by helping governments realize the need to invest in necessary improvements to the justice sector, whether that’s in education or infrastructure. For instance, CAJS has a department dedicated to spatial planning, which examines how our courts and other justice institutions are designed. Concentration is further placed on ensuring sufficient access to the law in terms of publishing resources and cases as well as legislative drafting.

A number of Caribbean islands including The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize and Turks & Caicos have adopted the Curia case management system following the CCJ. CAJS also conducts training sessions through its CAJS Academy to help court staff in the various islands use and manage the system. Beyond courts, CAJS also supports law enforcement agencies. It hosts an annual Law Enforcement Symposium for regional law enforcement leaders. It’s 2024 edition featured a collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force on Cybersecurity, presenting practical tools and strategies for tacking growing incidents of cyber attacks in the region. CAJS is also a co-host of the annual Connected Caribbean Summit that joins key stakeholders in the government, business, law and technology sectors to focus on fostering solutions that not only impact the justice sector but extend to other vital industries. Additionally, the Agency partnered with the Eugene Dupuch Law School in The Bahamas to launch the Community Legal Aid Programme based on the CAJS AccessLegal service. The collaboration has expanded access to legal aid clinics and pro bono services in The Bahamas. Through these initiatives and more, CAJS continues to lead transformational efforts across the Caribbean while simultaneously addressing the technological and practical aspects of justice reform .

Mr. Jones spoke about the difficulties the organization faces in challenging prevailing norms and attitudes towards technology within the Caribbean legal profession. He explained that changing the mindset of those hesitant to embrace new solutions or regional institutions is difficult, as it’s often hard for people to initially recognize the value and impact of such initiatives. He also highlighted the practical challenge of securing greater financial support from Caribbean governments and partners to fully realize CAJS’s potential and demonstrate its value.

When asked about any unique cultural or systemic issues in the Caribbean that influence the Agency’s approach to justice solutions, Mr. Jones acknowledged the significant role that the region’s unique challenges play in shaping the organization’s work. “One of the driving forces behind CAJS has been the conviction that the Caribbean has the capacity to take responsibility for developing its own solutions,” the Director explained. “We are best placed to analyze our problems and create solutions that fit our needs because we live here, we work here, and we understand our cultural and historical dynamics.”

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this push for digital solutions and CAJS was well-positioned to assist the legal sector. They provided for a seamless transition to online platforms by setting up Zoom courts and virtual forums to ensure continuity during the pandemic. Understanding the region’s geographical and cultural diversity, the Director emphasized the need for justice systems to be accessible as well, even in low-data or rural areas. “Our solutions must work for everyone, regardless of their location or internet speed,” he concluded.

The Caribbean justice system can now look forward to improvements in access, speed, and efficiency as a result of technological advancements including Artificial Technology. These improvements will in turn boost the region’s image in the international arena which could encourage business and foster greater confidence in the legal system.

Mr. Jones finally stressed the importance of mastering the fundamentals of law, ethics, principles and surrounding issues by younger lawyers or law students interested in justice reform. “It’s easy to become so focused on learning the law that we lose sight of the evolving world around us,” he explained. “Technology has transformed how we live, how we access information, entertainment, and services. The same innovations can reshape how we access justice.” He advised law students to stay informed on technological advancements, artificial intelligence, and other global developments in order to widen their perspectives.

As CAJS continues to push boundaries and redefine access to justice, it offers a compelling example of how innovation can transform traditional legal systems. The future of justice in the Caribbean is in our hands. If we are willing to challenge outdated norms, leverage technology, and push for systemic improvements, we can build a justice system that truly serves the people. The Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions stands as a testament as to what it means to lead the way in breaking these barriers to facilitate a stronger justice system within the Caribbean region.