The Attorney General’s Chambers | Ministry of Justice & Legal Affairs

Senator, The Honourable Garth Lucien Wilkin

Attorney General

In accordance with Section 64 of the Constitution of Saint Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis, the Attorney General is the principal legal advisor to the Government of Saint Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis and is responsible for advising the various government ministries and institutions.

The vital role of the Attorney-General as the Chief Legal Advisor to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis remains central to our Nation’s governance. The detailed functions of the AGO, as outlined in the Attorney-General’s Act, encompass several crucial responsibilities:
1. Ensuring strict adherence to legal norms in the administration of public affairs
2. Effective oversight of matters connected to the administration of justice
3. Providing valuable input on the legislative agenda
4. Regulating all legal proceedings on behalf of or against the State
5. Carrying out any additional functions delegated by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the counsel of the Prime Minister

Ms. Nerissa M. K. Williams

Permanent Secretary

The Permanent Secretary is the highest-ranking administrative officer within the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs and serves as the cornerstone of its governance and operational framework. Entrusted with the stewardship of the Ministry’s administrative machinery, the Permanent Secretary ensures continuity of government functions and the effective execution of national policies and strategic priorities.

This role encompasses the translation of Cabinet decisions and ministerial directives into actionable programs, while providing authoritative counsel to the Attorney General on matters of policy implementation and organizational management. The Permanent Secretary exercises oversight of human, financial, and technical resources, guaranteeing compliance with constitutional, statutory, and regulatory requirements, and fostering a culture of accountability, efficiency, and service excellence.

As the principal conduit between political leadership and the civil service, the Permanent Secretary safeguards the integrity of administrative processes and ensures that governance objectives are achieved in alignment with the broader national development agenda. The constitutional foundation of this office, as articulated in Section 79 of the Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis, vests the powers of appointment, transfer, and disciplinary control in the Governor-General, acting on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission and in consultation with the Prime Minister. This framework underscores the impartiality, professionalism, and enduring significance of the Permanent Secretary in upholding the principles of good governance and the rule of law.

Mrs. Simone Bullen- Thompson

Solicitor General

The Solicitor General is the most senior functionary within the Chambers of the Attorney General. The office holder is essentially the chief counsel of the Chambers who is responsible to lead representation and appear on behalf of the Attorney General in any proceedings in the courts. These could involve actions by or against the state.

The Office of the Attorney General is principally concerned with providing legal advice to the Government of Saint Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis. In the performance of this role the Attorney General is responsible for advising Government Ministries and Departments on matters of law, ensuring that the administration of public affairs is in accordance with the law and conducting litigation on behalf of the Government. In the discharge of these functions the Attorney General is assisted by the Solicitor General and Crown Counsel.

The Attorney General’s Chambers provides advice on a wide range of matters including constitutional law, public law and international law, contract, tort and labour matters.

Litigation is conducted by the Solicitor General and Crown Counsel. Counsel appears at all levels of the Court: that is, the Magistrates Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice in its Original Jurisdiction. Counsel also appear before administrative tribunals from time to time.

Mrs. Tashna Powell Williams

Senior Legal Officer

The Senior Legal Officer is responsible for providing expert legal advice and guidance to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory frameworks. This role involves drafting, reviewing, and vetting contracts, and agreements, as well as representing the Ministry in complex legal matters and managing litigation strategies. The Senior Legal Officer contributes to policy development by reviewing and formulating legal and regulatory policies that align with national development objectives and international obligations.

Additionally, the position oversees compliance with legal standards and internal governance frameworks, mentors junior legal officers to build capacity within the legal team, and engages with stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, and international partners, on legal matters of mutual interest.

Mission Statement

To uphold the rule of law and protect the legal interests of the Government of Saint Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis through expert legal counsel, representation, and oversight in all matters of public law and governance.

Government Legal Representation

Provides expert legal advocacy on behalf of the Attorney General in all courts and tribunals, including litigation for and against the state.

Legal Advisory Services

Offers legal guidance to Government Ministries, Departments, and Statutory Bodies on constitutional, administrative, contract, and international law matters.

Contract and Document Oversight

Prepares, vets, and oversees legal documents such as employment contracts, procurement agreements, landholding licenses, and citizenship applications.

Legislative Support

Assists in the drafting and vetting of legislation, ensuring legal soundness of all laws brought before the National Assembly.

The various ancillary services rendered by the Office the Attorney General fall within the purview of the role of the Solicitor General. Accordingly, the following matters are included as areas of responsibility:

Preparation and oversight in relation to contracts being entered into by the various units of the government
Provide legal advice to all Ministries, Departments, statutory bodies and agencies of the Government on a wide range of legal matters including, commercial matters, interpretation of statutes, international affairs, citizenship and human resources
Preparation of contracts in relation to persons being employed by Government
Employee bond contracts
Issue of Marriage licences
Vetting of land documents
Preparation of Alien landholding Licences
Performs duties as the Competent Authority under the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act Cap 4.19

Get In Touch

Office Phone

(869) 467-1963

Email Us

attorneygeneral@gov.kn

Opening Hours

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Mon - Fri)

Address

P.O. Box 164,
Building 22,
Port Zante,
Saint Christopher (St. Kitts)

The Attorney General with the assistance of Parliamentary Counsel advises the Government on all legislative matters. All legislation that is tabled in the National Assembly is either drafted and/or vetted by Parliamentary Counsel before it is presented to the National Assembly for consideration.

The function of the Solicitor General also involves the giving of legal advice and supervisory support in relation to all relevant matters to the crown counsels operating within the Chambers of the Attorney General.