Ms. Alethea Gumbs

Director

Legal Aid and Advice Centre

Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs

We are the St. Kitts – Nevis Legal Aid and Advice Centre: a Department within the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs. We were established by the Government of St. Kitts-Nevis for the purpose of providing low cost legal services and representation to persons of low income.

Our operations are carried out by a Director of Legal Aid assisted by other legal counsel, a research assistant and office staff.

Mission Statement

“To Advise, Assist and Represent the Indigent”

How We Are Financed

The operations of the Legal Aid Centre are financed by budgetary allocations through the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs as outlined in the Annual Estimates and Budget of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis.

What We Do

We perform legal services on behalf of persons who are unable to afford the cost of professional legal services.

Matters Handled

  • Juvenile Matters  
  • Maintenance
  • Custody      
  • Access
  • Adoption
  • Divorce
  • Landlord and Tenant Matters
  • Wills
  • Succession
  • Letters
  • Person Injury
  • Hire Purchase litigation
  • Affidavits
  • Debt

Who we Serve

We are eager to serve all persons who do not have the money to afford an attorney in private practice.  However, we have been particularly helpful to women, the elderly and youths who need legal advice and representation in court.

It is important to note that we do not handle criminal matters on behalf of adults.

How You May Interact With Us

You may simply come in to our offices at West Square Street in Basseterre and start the process of consultation. You may also call us at telephone number 869 467 1572 or 869 466 5697. We will discuss your matter with you and proceed as necessary.

In order to determine if you qualify for legal aid, you will need to complete a special form providing specific information that would enable us to assess your status. Please bring proof of your income, savings, earnings and expenses. Your application will be processed to determine whether or not you qualify for legal aid.

An adult person must fill out the form on behalf of a juvenile. This adult may be a parent or guardian.  

We will undertake the necessary legal work to deal with your matter in the same way that a lawyer in a private firm would do.

We occasionally conduct assistance ‘clinics’ in communities outside of Basseterre in order that persons in rural and other communities may discuss their matters with us at such times.

Is there a fee?

A reasonable fee is charged for the service provided.  You can make arrangements to pay by installments. 

If it turns out that you are completely unable to pay you will be granted a waiver of the fees charged.

Who We Mostly Interact With 

A variety of persons interact with us:

  • Single women
  • Juveniles
  • The Elderly

Forms In Use

Application Form to be completed to help us to determine if you qualify for Legal Aid.

It is the principal mission of the Office of the Attorney General to provide legal advice and services to and on behalf of The Crown, and to conduct and respond to all matters of litigation for and against The Crown or any Ministry or Agency of the Government.

Importantly, its mandate includes the extensive oversight of the legislative agenda of the Government.

The Office of the Attorney General also provides administrative support for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and superintends all matters relating to the Electoral Office.

Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs

The Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs ensures that the rule of law is facilitated and supported by the various mechanisms by which citizens can have equal access to the justice system and by which they can be afforded the protection of the law. It also takes responsibility for ensuring that the statutes are updated and modernized to keep pace with an evolving society.

Quick and convenient access to important and noteworthy matters relevant to entities under the Office of the Attorney General and departments within the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs.

Hon. Garth Wilkin
Attorney General

Ms. Diana Francis
Permanent Secretary

(Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs)

The Office of the Attorney General

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.

Learn More

Get In Touch

Government Headquarters,
Church Street, Basseterre, St. Kitts

+1(869) 467-1013

attorneygeneral@gov.kn

Send us a message