Saint Lucia Establishes Coroners Court, Appoints First Coroner
Saint Lucia has appointed its first-ever Coroner following the establishment of a dedicated Coroners Court within the jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Courts. The Judicial and Legal Services Commission has appointed Ms. Desma Charles to the newly created post, marking a significant development in the island’s justice system. The establishment of the Coroners Court comes amid […] The post Saint Lucia Establishes Coroners Court, Appoints First Coroner appeared first on Saint Lucia Daily Post.
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Saint Lucia has appointed its first-ever Coroner following the establishment of a dedicated Coroners Court within the jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Courts.
The Judicial and Legal Services Commission has appointed Ms. Desma Charles to the newly created post, marking a significant development in the island’s justice system.
The establishment of the Coroners Court comes amid growing demand for a specialised judicial mechanism to investigate deaths occurring in unnatural but non-criminal circumstances, including deaths in custody, fatal accidents, suspected suicides and other matters affecting public safety.
Officials say the Court will provide families, the public and State agencies with greater clarity surrounding unnatural deaths, while also helping authorities identify systemic risks and broader public safety concerns.
Prior to the creation of the Court, responsibilities under the Coroners Act were shared among Magistrates, as Saint Lucia had no dedicated Coroner’s office.
The creation of the post followed Cabinet approval granted in January 2025 for the establishment of a Coroners Court and the appointment of a Coroner.
Prime Minister and Minister for Justice, Philip J. Pierre, referenced the initiative during his 2026/2027 Budget Address as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the administration of justice.
“In addition, we are investing in the establishment of a Coroner’s Court, strengthening our ability to conduct timely and thorough investigations, and enhancing public confidence in the administration of justice,” the Prime Minister stated.
Government officials say additional appointments will be made to support the operations of the Court, including administrative staff and a specially appointed investigator responsible for conducting inquiries into unnatural deaths.
The establishment of the Coroners Court is being viewed as a major step forward in the modernisation of Saint Lucia’s justice system, with officials describing it as a move that strengthens institutional accountability and public confidence.
Further details regarding the commencement of sittings and operational procedures of the Court are expected to be announced in due course.
The post Saint Lucia Establishes Coroners Court, Appoints First Coroner appeared first on Saint Lucia Daily Post.
