The Government intends to reduce the cost of legal aid this year by hiring two additional lawyers, according to the Attorney-General.

Senator Kathy Lynn Simmons said the fixed salaries of the new counsel would contain costs while creating two new jobs.

She said: “It is anticipated that two additional counsel will be added to the establishment, increasing the number to four.”

The comments came during the ceremonial opening of the 2018 legal year on Friday.

Ms Simmons also announced that in the coming legislative session, the Government would table amendments to give judges greater discretion to use video links for witnesses to give evidence.

She also said the Government would be investing in programmes to address the root causes of crime in Bermuda with the hopes of reducing the number of young black men behind bars.

Ms Simmons said: “This government will find the necessary resources for the front end to address the social and economic conditions that have a direct connection to the incarceration of our young black males.”