The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) officially celebrated its 20th anniversary yesterday, April 16, with an Interfaith Service of Reflection and Prayer at Queen’s Hall in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
The milestone event drew regional dignitaries, government officials, judicial representatives, diplomats, and members of the Caribbean legal community to commemorate two decades of the CCJ’s contributions to regional justice.
Among those in attendance was Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, along with members of the Judiciary, Government officials, religious leaders from the Inter-Religious Organisation, and both current and former CCJ judges and staff.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Sophia Chote SC, Commissioner of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission, praised the Court’s record and integrity, stating, “The achievements of the CCJ are the achievements of our region. The Judges themselves are acutely aware of their responsibility to the region and discharge their duties with diligence and integrity.”
CCJ President, the Honourable Mr. Justice Adrian Saunders, called the anniversary “a time for reflection and giving thanks,” adding that the Court has “upheld the rule of law, safeguarded rights, and strengthened Caribbean jurisprudence” over its 20-year history. He highlighted the CCJ’s unique structure, including its innovative funding via the CCJ Trust Fund and its judicial independence safeguarded by the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission.
Founded on April 16, 2005, the CCJ serves as both the final appellate court for five CARICOM states—Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, and Saint Lucia—and as an international court responsible for interpreting the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. In its Original Jurisdiction, the Court has ruled on trade disputes and freedom of movement within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). Since its inception, the CCJ has heard over 400 appellate matters and 37 original jurisdiction cases.
The CCJ has also gained recognition as a leader in judicial innovation, becoming one of the first courts in the Caribbean to livestream proceedings and host virtual hearings as early as 2008. It continues to embrace technology, including artificial intelligence for legal research.
Beyond its courtroom function, the Court supports regional development through its educational initiatives. Its affiliate institutions, the CCJ Academy for Law and the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO), provide judicial training and policy guidance. Notably, the Needham’s Point Declaration on Criminal Justice—promoted by the Academy—has been cited in over 50 regional legal matters.
The Interfaith Service kicks off a series of events planned throughout the year to mark the anniversary. These include a public exhibition of artefacts and archival material detailing the Court’s history and the 8th Biennial CCJ Academy for Law Conference in November, themed “The CCJ at 20: Reflections on Caribbean Jurisprudence.”
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