(CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana) Another milestone was created in the history of the thirty-one year old integration movement, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), with the inauguration of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday 16 April, 2005.
The inaugural event was witnessed by the entire Region via the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), and a live audience in a capacity full Queen's Hall, comprising Heads of Government of CARICOM, legal luminaries of the Region and other dignitaries and resource persons who worked fervently to steer the course of the CCJ to reality.
In welcome remarks, CARICOM Secretary General, His Excellency Edwin Carrington borrowing from the motto of Trinidad and Tobago said, “Together we have aspired and together we have achieved.” He noted that the inauguration signifies the commencement of the Region's journey towards “self determination and independence,” and added,” This Court is the court of the Caribbean people, By the Caribbean people, For the Caribbean people. It is in truth, their voice for the vindication of their Rights.”
Mr. Carrington pointed out that the Court is a critical pillar in ensuring that the rights of the Region's citizens are upheld during the course of the operation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), and he commended the individuals and agencies that were instrumental in piloting the CCJ.
Host Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Hon. Patrick Manning in remarks, deemed the inauguration of the CCJ as a fulfillment of judicial independence for the Region. Tracing the history of the Court, which takes into account CARICOM Heads of Government 2001 adoption of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, including the CSME, Mr. Manning said, the composition of the CCJ judiciary attests to the Region's cadre and caliber of professionals.
Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Dr. the Hon. Kenny Anthony, CARICOM Head of Government with responsibility for Justice and Governance on the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet held that the Caribbean has always been positioned among the strongest in the Commonwealth nations to have produced excellent legal minds.
Applauding the establishment of the CCJ and its judges, Prime Minister Anthony affirmed that the foundation for the Court was laid many decades ago. He said, “The CCJ is not a leap into darkness. It is a leap of enlightenment.”
Given the independence of the CCJ, which will serve as the final Court of Appeal for the Region by replacing the London Privy Council, Dr Anthony contended that the Court is not “breaking ranks,” but rather, “joining a progressive process in the commonwealth.”
Addressing the CCJ inaugural gathering, Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM and President of the Republic of Suriname, His Excellency Drs Ronald Runaldo Venetiaan said that the event marks the Region's creation of history in three ways. These he noted, include the completion of the journey of independence for English-speaking CARICOM Member States, the presence of a strong legal institution for the Community, and the Community's contribution to the sphere of international law.
President Venetiaan pledged the support of CARICOM Heads in respect of the independent functioning of the CCJ, and he expressed confidence that it will serve the Region well in interpreting the Revised Treaty in both Common Law and Civil Law jusrisdictions.
President of the CCJ, Hon Mr. Justice Michael de la Bastide in his address to fellow judges and the audience, noted that the court has three distinguishing characteristics evident in the method of the apolitical appointment of its judges, the independent funding arrangement employed to finance the court, and its dual function of being the final municipal court of appeal and civil matters.
Commending CARICOM Heads of Government and other Regional officials who were instrumental in charting the course of the CCJ, the CCJ President said, “The inauguration of the CCJ is a landmark event in the history of the Caribbean.” He added that it bears the capacity to contribute to the integration movement of the Region.
At the CCJ inauguration, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Maxwell Richards administered the oath of office to Justices Madame Desiree Bernard, a national of Guyana, and Justice Adrian Saunders who hails from St Vincent and the Grenadines.
The fanfare to mark this significant chapter in the life of the Community will climax with an Inaugural Gala at the residence of the President of Trinidad and Tobago.
