Mrs. Simone Bullen-Thompson

 

Solicitor General

Solicitor General

Office of the Attorney 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 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.

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
  • Legal services to Statutory Corporations and other external agencies when called upon to provide such
  • Oversight in relation to matters of procurement and public tendering
  • Preparation of contracts in relation to persons being employed by Government
  • Employee bond contracts
  • Applications for citizenship
  • 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

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.

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.

Get In Touch

Government Headquarters,
Church Street, Basseterre, St. Kitts

+1(869) 467-1013

attorneygeneral@gov.kn