Grenadians will be voting in a referendum on November 6 to determine whether or not the Trinidad and Tobago based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), should be the island’s final appellate court instead of London’s Privy Council.
This was confirmed by Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell late Wednesday.
Describing the move as a bold and courageous step in regionalism, Mitchell said that there comes a time in life when bold decisions become absolutely necessary. “Voting yes for the referendum is a decision that will shape the future of our country, it’s an opportunity to showcase our regionalism at work,” he said.
“The CCJ has the potential to be the next regional pillar of strength,” he said while pointing to other regional institutions such as the OECS Court of Appeal and the University of the West Indies.”
Nationals in Antigua and Barbuda will have their own referendum on the CCJ, on the same day as Grenada.
Constitutional mandates
The constitution for both islands mandates that a referendum be held in order for changes to be made to the constitution. The yes vote must receive a two-thirds majority from the voter turn out on referendum day for it to be accepted.
In November 2016 Grenadians voted against the CCJ by a margin of 9,492 in favor and 12,434 voted against in a referendum which had six other Bills. The CCJ Bill is presently before the Lower House of Parliament.
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) settles disputes between Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States and presently serves as the highest court of appeals on civil and criminal matters for the national courts of Barbados, Belize, Dominica and Guyana.
