The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

DOES anyone in this country owe you a small amount of money and refuses to pay?

Yes? No? And if "yes" what can you do about it?

I have a suggestion: why don't you conscript their appearance in small claims court so that you can sue them for your money. It only makes sense. After all, that is what (some of) these courts in The Bahamas are there for.

However, what do you call a small amount of money? The term "small" is relative. What might be small to you might not be considered small to others. And more importantly, what does the Government consider "small"?

As far as I know the Government has placed a limitation on how much one can sue for in small claims court in this country - $5,000. And the lawsuit proceedings are held in a Magistrate's Court. If you want to sue for more than that amount, your case would have to be heard in Supreme Court.

It seems counterproductive to have such a small limitation imposed on these magistrates of small claims courts. It only serves as a (negative) catalyst to inundating the Supreme Courts with frivolous matters. As a result, it would be my humble suggestion to the Government that it initiate all machinations available to it to precipitate an outcome whereby the limitation of $5,000 would be raised to $25,000.

That amount should be enough to alleviate some congestion in the Supreme Courts so that they can hear and dispense with more serious cases.

MARVIN G

LIGHTBOURN

Nassau

May 26, 2017