PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC—On Wednesday, the Caribbean Court celebrated its 20th anniversary, with outgoing President Justice Adrian Saunders saying,” ‘Today is a time for reflection and giving thanks.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) judicial institution, established in 2005 to replace the London-based Privy Council as the region’s highest and final Court, has both an Appellate and Original Jurisdiction. It also serves as an international tribunal interpreting the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which governs the 15-member regional integration grouping.
Saunders, the third Caribbean national to head the Trinidad-based Court following the late Justice Michael de la Bastide and Sir Dennis Byron, said for the past 20 years, the CCJ has upheld the rule of law, safeguarded rights, and strengthened Caribbean jurisprudence.
“The Court has been a shining example of Caribbean ingenuity, with its innovative funding arrangement, in the form of the CCJ Trust Fund, and, through the establishment of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission, its insulation from external interference in its recruitment practices,” said the St. Vincent and the Grenadines born jurist.
“This anniversary is not just a celebration of 20 long years but also of our enduring commitment to delivering accessible, fair, and efficient justice to the people and states of the Caribbean.
“It is a privilege and an honor to serve the people of this region, and we, the judges and staff of the Court, are incredibly grateful to have had that opportunity over the past 20 years. We look forward to doing so for the next 20 years and beyond,” Justice Saunders said.
The milestone was celebrated with an Interfaith Service of Reflection and Prayer at the Queen’s Hall in St. Ann’s, outside the capital. The head of state of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Kangaroo, also attended.
It was also attended by members of the Trinidad and Tobago judiciary, government, the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO), regional stakeholders, members of the diplomatic corps, the legal fraternity, and commissioners of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC).
RJLSC member Sophia Chote SC told the ceremony that the CCJ’s achievements are the achievements of the Caribbean region.
“We continue to have responsible Commissions and ensure that the CCJ’s Bench is populated only with the best. The judges are acutely aware of their responsibility to the region and discharge their duties with diligence and integrity,” she said.
“The Registrar and her staff and other arms of the organization continue to perform their duties responsibly and innovate. The educational arm of the CCJ has had valuable outreach with judges, lawyers, and law students throughout the region,” Chote added.
Since its establishment, the CCJ has heard over 400 matters in its Appellate Jurisdiction and 37 in its Original Jurisdiction.
The CCJ has also developed a reputation for innovation in the administration of justice. It was one of the first courts in the region to livestream matters and conduct virtual hearings, doing so from as early as 2008.
In addition to justice administration, the CCJ’s work with affiliate organizations, such as its educational arm, the CCJ Academy for Law, and the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO), has also proven beneficial to the region.
Recently, the Needham’s Point Declaration on Criminal Justice was adopted through the efforts of the Academy, chaired by CCJ President-designate Justice Winston Anderson. Since then, it has been cited in over 50 matters throughout the region.
CAJO, chaired by Justice Peter Jamadar, provides judicial training for judicial officers throughout the region to support effective and efficient justice delivery.
Apart from the Interfaith Service, the CCJ will host a public exhibition later this year in Port of Spain showcasing a range of artifacts and archival material that chronicle its two-decade journey.
In addition, the eighth Biennial CCJ Academy for Law Conference will be held in November under the theme ‘The CCJ at 20: Reflections on Caribbean Jurisprudence”.
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