About Us
The Office of the Attorney General is chiefly responsible for providing legal counsel and advice to the Executive Branch of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. The functioning of the Office is rooted in the Constitution and is further detailed by the provisions of the Attorney General’s Act Cap 3.02 of the laws of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
One of the more prolific manifestations of the advisory functions of the Office of the Attorney General is its contribution to the legislative agenda of the government. As such, the responsibility of preparation of all legislation: from conceptualization to the presentation of Bills and the crafting of Regulations falls within the purview of the office.
The role also includes representing the Crown in relation to all litigation within the realm of the judicial system. Hence, any legal action to be pursued by the Executive Branch of Government (referred to in legal terms as The Crown or the state) against anyone will proceed in the name of the ‘Attorney General’. Following the same principle, anyone taking any form of legal action against the Executive Branch of Government (The Crown or the state) must proceed as against the ‘Attorney General’.
The work of the Office is supported by the presence of a Permanent Secretary, a Solicitor General, Parliamentary Counsels and other Crown Counsels as well as administrative, clerical and support staff.
The Office of the Attorney General is also responsible for providing administrative and logistical support for the functioning of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Electoral Office.
Hon Garth Wilkin presently holds office as the Attorney General of St. Kitts and Nevis.
The Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs
The Hon Garth Wilkin also holds responsibility for the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs.
The Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs superintends and supports the operations of the following; as the case may be:
- The High Court
- Magistrates Department
- Land Registry
- Intellectual Property Office
- Legal Aid & Advice Centre
- Law Commission
The various units operating within this Ministry together serve to ensure that all concerned
are enabled to enjoy the opportunities afforded by a peaceful and democratic society as well as
the protection of the law; which includes the enjoyment of fundamental rights. This is assured by
way of universal access to justice as well as the means to exercise protected rights.
The Ministry is also concerned with the responsibility of the Executive Branch of the
Government to provide adequate support for the maintenance of law and order. In that regard,
special efforts are also made to ensure that the laws remain relevant by responding to the
changing norms of a developing world.
