Dominican Attorney, Cara Shillingford, fully supports the Caribbean Court of justice (CCJ) and recommends the Caribbean judicial tribunal as the way forward for Caribbean people.
Shillingford’s comments come in the wake of a recent win at the CCJ, for former DBS Radio manager, Mariette Warrington, whom she represented in a case of breach of contract and unlawful termination against the Dominica Broadcasting Corporation.
She is of the view that our judges are well qualified and they serve their countries well.
“This case has certainly reaffirmed my conviction that the Caribbean court of justice is the way forward for the Caribbean people. The judges who sit on the CCJ are extremely well qualified and accomplished,” she asserted.
“I see no reason why we should stick to the Privy Council when they have been asking the Caribbean court to find an alternative so I endorse the CCJ undoubtedly,” she declared.
Shillingford explained that even as a student, she always thought that going to the CCJ was the right path.
“From the time I was a student. I always thought that the CCJ was the way to go because the idea of clinging to our colonial past, that is the Privy Council, to decide on cases and have the final say, that does not sound like what any independent nation should want,” Shillingford remarked.
She also believes that contrary to a view held by some, it is unlikely that the CCJ will be influenced the Caribbean governments.
“I think we have a lot of problems in the Caribbean in terms of a lack of separation of powers but I think the CCJ is different,” Shillingford noted.
“In terms of funding , that is the main area any government can exercise control over members of the judiciary and since the CCJ is independently funded through this trust fund I don’t think that is something we need to worry about in terms of political interference” she said.
In 2015, Dominica became the 4th Caribbean country to join after Barbados (2005), Guyana (2005) and Belize (2010).
So, Cara, what you should do is to get the Dominica Bar Association to issue a statement fully supporting the CCJ and to invite the Bar Associations in all Caricom countries to do the same. We need a more organized effort in supporting this vital institution and which will also serve as a reasonable and sensible counter point to the manic and hysterical voices who claim that the sky will fall if their inland acedes to the CCJ.
Jade the bar associations have no responsible in this case and no power. Its the insular thinking governments who remain conditioned by the colonial plantation system who do not think that we can take care of our business and of our selves. Countries like Trinidad coined the pharase “Massa Day Done” but don’t know its meaning. When they pulled away from the Federation they said “one from ten equal zero” (1-10=0). That mentality still prevail. Its great that our PM has the fortitude to lead, not afraid to put Dominica first in line on the global stage.
The PM of Dominica has the courage of his conviction, like a true leader. And so does Attorney Cara Shillingford. Just see how the PM was not afraid to chastise them over the lack of execution by CARICOM Heads of Governments decisions. How can they posture an attitude of wanting to unite but when it comes to showing a united front they are M.I.A.
Congratulations sis i totally support your argument and views it’s just a pity that the majority of the Region (CARICOM); (in particular the people of T&T where the CCJ is located) are not full on board with you; it’s been said that “there is nothing wrong with the world it’s the people that’s in it”; maybe the CCJ is no exception.
Way to go my Salisbury 4H student……….I am sooooooo proud of you! Remain focused. Do not allow anyone, fame or fortune to corrupt your practice!
Had the decision go against you client you would be singing a different tune.
Ms.Shillingford,i wish you the best,Looks like we still have some home in Dominica,your a woman and you can become a voice to listen to and guide our failing country back.You have my full support,Hope many of our younger people follow your footsteps.
I too believe we should get rid of privy council a long time ago, however there is mistrust because of what is going on in the individual islands. The judicial system in Dominica is a farce so what do you expect people to think. Caricom has been in existence for over 40 yrs and we have not felt the benifits. No country is willing to give up some power for betterment of the region. You have individual islands that operates totally different from how regional umbrella organization is structured. Fishing industry, environmental and disaster response health tourism among other things should be developed as a region with easy movement of human resources for work. There should be no reason why i cannot put my car on a ferry go to st. Lucia or Grenada and drive around a few days.. As long as the individual islands continue the status quo there will be no trust of and regional oversight or body. That is the problem.
Finally a forum for fairness and justice that is not tainted or influenced by politicians(governments).
One swallow does not make spring. welcome as it is.
Hope you feel the same way when you lose. This was just a taste