Former Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) judge, Justice Jacob Wit, has passed away.
The CCJ confirmed the news in a media release issued today.
The 71-year-old Justice Wit, who had recently retired from his position at the CCJ due to declining health, leaves behind a legacy of legal expertise and dedication to the Caribbean judicial system.
A distinguished career at the CCJ
Justice Wit’s association with the CCJ dates back to its inception in 2005 when he served as an inaugural member of the bench.
His commitment to the court spanned almost two decades, culminating in his retirement in December 2023.
Throughout his illustrious career, Justice Wit showcased an impressive breadth of legal knowledge, encompassing private law, commercial and admiralty law, insurance, bankruptcy and insolvency, company law and intellectual property, criminal law, military law, administrative law, constitutional law, and international human rights law. His multifaceted expertise made him a valuable asset to the CCJ.
Tributes pour in
CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders, expressed deep sorrow at the passing of his colleague, remarking, “It is a sad day for the Court. Justice Wit and I worked together since 2005 when we formed part of the inaugural Bench of the Court. He was the lone Civil Law Judge on the current CCJ Bench with rich experience in military law, administrative law, constitutional law, and international human rights law.”
Justice Saunders continued to highlight Justice Wit’s significant contributions, such as his involvement with the CCJ Academy for Law and his pivotal role in coordinating the Academy’s most recent Biennial Conference and Regional Town Hall, which focused on crime and regional criminal justice reform.
A storied legal journey
Justice Wit’s legal career extended beyond his role at the CCJ.
Before joining the CCJ, he adjudicated over cases in Curaçao, the Netherlands Antilles, and the Dutch Windward Islands of Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. He also held the esteemed position of Ranking Member of the CCJ Academy for Law and served as the President of the Constitutional Court of Saint Maarten, albeit on a part-time basis.
In recognition of his long-standing dedication and effective contributions to upholding public trust in the judiciary, Justice Wit was awarded the prestigious Nederlandse Juristen Vereniging Award in 2020.
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