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CCJ President Urges All Member States To Complete Full Accession To The Court

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad CMC – President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Dennis Byron has called on all member states within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), to come fully on board with the regional court.

“It would be a wonderful 10th anniversary gift, if the process to full accession by all member states is completed,” said the president in his address at the launch of the CCJ’s 10th anniversary exhibition here on Thursday.

Sir Dennis Byron

Sir Dennis Byron

Sir Dennis said the CCJ is willing and ready to fulfill its “destined role in the economic and social development of the region”.

In reflecting on the court’s 10th year of existence, he said the most important achievement has been the contribution of the CCJ to the development of Caribbean jurisprudence.

“The CCJ, over the past 10 years has demonstrated the ability of law to effect broader societal change, and ensure that the human rights which lie at the heart of our very existence as human beings are protected and preserved.”

He noted that the impact of the CCJ can also be seen in its contribution to strengthen the administration of justice throughout the region, and pointed to a program being undertaken to eliminate backlogs.

“The Court is now the implementing agent for a US$20 million grant by the Canadian Government that has already commenced the introduction of pilot programs and training activities …..”

While expressing the desire for all countries to be members of the CCJ’s appellate jurisdiction, Sir Dennis said achievements have also been made under the original jurisdiction.

“Of particular note is the clarification that an ordinary person can bring proceedings against a government of state. The famous Shanique Myrie v the State of Barbados case has proven the relevance of the Court to every CARICOM citizen. The court has supervised the right of free movement of CARICOM nationals, ordered government to obey the rule of law, to take specific action to pay damages and to make reimbursement of unlawfully demanded tax.”

According to the CCJ President, the court will continue to grow from “strength to strength”.

He also welcomed Dominica’s full accession to the Court, making the island the fourth state to honor its commitment to join the final appellate jurisdiction of the court.

In March, Dominica joined Barbados, Belize and Guyana which have also signed onto both the Appellate and Original jurisdictions of the CCJ. Most of the other Caribbean countries are signatories to the original jurisdiction.

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