Antigua and Barbuda has welcomed a UK proposal to introduce judge-only trials as a solution to the mounting backlog in criminal cases, saying it affirms its own early adoption of the measure.

Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin said the UK’s move validates Antigua and Barbuda’s 2021 decision to shift to judge-alone trials amid a case backlog worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We were pioneers in this regard,” he told journalist Everton Barnes. “This confirms we are ahead of many nations — a trendsetter in judicial reform.”

Sir Steadroy added: “We continually punch above our weight. As some have said, ‘we likle but we tallawah’.”

The UK proposal stems from recommendations by former senior judge Sir Brian Leveson, who was appointed by the Lord Chancellor to find ways to ease pressure on criminal courts.

Sir Brian has warned of a potential collapse of the system and suggested judge-only trials, particularly in complex fraud and bribery cases.

There are nearly 77,000 cases pending trial in England and Wales, leaving thousands in legal limbo.