The office of the Attorney General has been in existence for more than two hundred and thirty-seven (237), years and is continually being developed as time progresses. It is said that this unique office stands astride the intersecting spheres of Government and Parliament, the Courts and the Executive, the Independent Bar and the Public Prosecutors, the State and the Citizenry at large. High quality legal and constitutional advice is increasingly important in the policy making process.

In 1979, upon gaining Independence, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' Constitution stipulated in sec. 63, that the Attorney General is the principal legal adviser to the Government. He/she gives legal advice to the Prime Minister and his Cabinet who seek to govern the state lawfully and competently. In discharging the responsibilities of the office of the Attorney General, the principles of fairness and independence are always upheld.

The strength of the Attorney General lies in the singular position of being a Senior Public Officer, who is obliged to act independently and in the interest of the general public. The role of the Office is not widely recognised outside of the Government and the legal profession and there are few sources of external reference. The Attorney General also oversees the functioning of the Registry of the High Court and the Commerce and Intellectual Property Office (CIPO).

The Attorney General’s Chambers' integrity must be upheld, through progressive policies, the appropriate application of the law, professionalism, excellence and discipline, in relation to the work of the state. The principles of fairness, independence, and accountability, whether acting as principal legal adviser, in the public interest or as civil litigator; must be maintained in order to secure the confidence of Cabinet colleagues and the public at large.

In acting as the Government’s Legal Adviser, whether on civil matters or on criminal justice policy, or in lending his/her name to civil proceedings on behalf of the Government, which are conducted in his/her name, the Attorney General acts independently in the sense that he/she gives impartial legal advice. However, when providing such advice he/she is acting on behalf of and as a member of the Government, and is bound by the principle of collective responsibility.  Whereas, on the other hand, the Attorney General acts as guardian of the public interest, he/she is acting in a wholly independent and quasi-judicial capacity and not as a member of the Government.

The assistance offered to the Vincentian community by the Chambers’ pro bono assistance, has reached a wide spectrum of the nation’s population.

1. Where can I source an updated constitution of St. Vincent and the Grenadines?

• An updated version can be found on our site by clicking the link below:

http://www.gov.vc/images/stories/Gov_images/docs/1979_constitution.pdf

2. Does the Attorney General’s Chambers offer legal advice to the public?

• No, it does not.

ABOUT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS

The Attorney General’s Chambers plays a pivotal role in enhancing the rule of law and strengthening the efficiency and integrity of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ legal system. As the Government’s chief legal adviser in all aspects of public administration law, international law, legislation and law reform, the Attorney General’s Chambers is responsible for providing legal services to the Government and its various agencies.

WHAT WE DO

The Attorney General’s Chambers provides the following services:

• Advising Cabinet, ministries and state agencies on all domestic and international legal matters.
• Representing the state in civil matters.
• Drafting primary and secondary legislation on behalf of the state.
• Reviewing the laws of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with a view to their systematic development and reform.
• Contract preparation and vetting
• Letters of Administration and Public trustee
• Conveyancing

 
WHO USE OUR SERVICES

• All ministries, statutory bodies and state enterprises
• Parliament, Cabinet, all ministers, civil society