CARICOM judicial leaders express concern over reports surrounding Caribbean Court of Justice

The heads of the judiciary from several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have expressed concern over recent reports about the administration and functioning of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), while reaffirming their confidence in the regional court.

In a joint statement Tuesday, the judicial leaders of Barbados, The Bahamas, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court said the CCJ holds a position of “profound importance” within the region’s judicial system.

Their statement followed a report by the Trinidad and Tobago Sunday Express alleging that CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson had been accused by a majority of his fellow judges of running the court in an “authoritarian” and “dictatorial” manner.

The report cited complaints including the alleged unilateral imposition of a judicial dress code, claims of “panel fixing” and allegations of attempts to influence the outcome of cases.

The CCJ, which was established in 2005, serves as the final appellate court for CARICOM member states that have accepted its appellate jurisdiction. It also has original jurisdiction over disputes involving the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which governs regional integration.

The regional judicial leaders declined to comment on the specific allegations.

“We do not consider it appropriate to comment upon the merits of statements or allegations attributed to individual judges, nor upon matters arising within the internal deliberative or administrative processes of the Court,” they said.

However, they expressed “grave concern” about the disclosure of what appeared to be confidential internal communications.

The judicial leaders said the authority of the CCJ, like that of courts generally, depends on public confidence in the independence, impartiality, integrity and competence of its judges.

They reaffirmed their confidence in the CCJ as a vital regional institution and in the commitment of its judges to the principles underpinning the administration of justice.

“The Heads of Judiciary reaffirm their commitment to the independence of all regional judiciaries, the institutional integrity of the Caribbean Court of Justice, and the enduring importance of maintaining public trust and confidence in the courts of the region,” they said.

The CCJ, in a statement to the Sunday Express, said allegations presented without context or an understanding of judicial deliberations, collegial discussions and institutional governance could lead to misunderstanding or mischaracterization.

The court reaffirmed its commitment to the United Nations Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct, which emphasize independence, impartiality, integrity, propriety, equality, competence and diligence.

“Maintaining public confidence in the Court is fundamental to upholding the rule of law and preserving trust in the administration of justice,” the CCJ said.

The court added that it remains committed to providing accessible, fair and efficient justice to the people and states of CARICOM.