Dominica is expected to make the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) its final appeals court, Secretary General of CARICOM, Irwin LaRocque, has announced.
He was speaking at a press conference on Tuesday ahead of the 34th conference of CARICOM heads of government set to begin on Wednesday in Trinidad.
LaRocque said St. Lucia will also be expected to join Dominica in making the CCJ the final court of appeal.
In May prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit told state-owned DBS Radio that Dominica will send a letter to the British government seeking permission to recognise the CCJ, replacing the London-based privy Council.
“Once we satisfy the Constitutional requirements we will go forward. We had delayed it to allow for consultations as people had requested though we have had serious consultations over a period of time…” he said. “The government’s resolve is to move in recognising the Caribbean Court of Justice as our final court.”
Many CARICOM member states have not signed on to make the CCJ their final court for all matters but speaking at Tuesday’s press conference, Trinidad’s foreign affairs minister, Winston Dookeran, blamed “the cumbersome system” for decisions not being implemented on a timely basis.
He described the CCJ matter as a “special one” and noted that the slow decision making process in CARICOM will be discussed at at a Head’s retreat, expected to take place on Friday.
“The cumbersome system that exists now has been partly responsible, I would say, for the slowness of implementing decisions in the past,” Dookeran said. “It’s a troubling issue, it’s a vexing issue but it’s an issue resulting from the fact we are all sovereign nations in a collective arrangement of an economic front, and in that sense we have to address those issues.”
The CCJ was established in 2001 to replace the London-based Privy Council, and also serves as an international tribunal interpreting the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas that governs CARICOM.
While most of the CARICOM countries have joined the CCJ in its original jurisdiction, only Barbados, Guyana and Belize are signatories to the appellate jurisdiction.
The Kalinago chief should write to the British Government stating that Skerrit decision do not include Dominicas’ indigenous people, in light of that development the kalinago people should now move to full Autonomy
Tell skeritt we have an election coming so this can be place on the ballot paper and let the people vote. this is not a DLP thing.
The CCJ is not ready as yet.matters involving election results etc take years to call then more than six month to get a decision .by that time the 5 years almost done. hmm.
No law no constitution will now replace the national anthem.
Break those lingering bridges of colonization. long overdue!
the Lawyers we have and the lagal system is from the same source whats the difference?
This is welcome news but I have to be honest in what I see as much more effort and resources being placed on the formation and functioning of regional and sub-regional institutions and not on bread and butter issues which are closer to the heart of the region’s people. Why are we always creating layers of institutions and administrative bodies to cause CARICOM, CSME, OECS, ACS, etc., to work but we can’t seem to create similar bodies to address the region’s high unemployment rates? When will be do something about crime and gender inequalities? How about consumer prices, product qualities and energy costs? These are the things which affect my daily living; not a court of appeal.
Are we going to be better off in the judicial system if we make the CCJ (court of jokers and opportunists)our final court of appeal? I see politicians (particularly those in power) interfering with the courts personnel to get what they want in the court satisfying their own whims and fancies. Ninety percent (90%)of the populace have no confidence in the CCJ.
Well well well ! The door has been opened for the kangaroo court !
At last. A necessary step in the decolonization process and a manifestation of true sovereignty!A necessary condition thereto!There could be no other way.
Let us hope that when this is established the authorities will exercise ethical jurisdiction for all with no exception. This means the practice of fairness for all with no one-sided preferential treatment.
Those countries that are predominantly Christian, always keep in mind the Holy Bible and what is contained therein according to the teaching of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the writings of the apostles as inspired by the Holy Spirit. With this godly guidance, you can never go wrong. May God bless and assist them accordingly.
well done and bravo! anything worth trying.The caribbean countries were once Federated until Jamaica and Trinidad pulled out.we are trying the same again under a different name CORICOM LETS HOPE IT WORKS THIS TIME
That is the final straw! i done with this bunch of dictators calling them selves government! The people did not agree but they going ahead with it anyway! Let us see how history will look upon these jokers!
“We had delayed it to allow for consultations as people had requested though we have had serious consultations over a period of time…”, I have serious concerns about this statement. I am not aware of these serious consultations as stated by Skerrit. Just thinking that when Tony Astaphan and Lennox Lawrence spoke of CCJ on de animal show is considered ‘Serious Consultation’.
Too much talk about CCJ. Not to log ago, Brian Alleyne gave his unconditional support to the CCJ. The ONE AND only reason why Dminicans oppose the CCJ is because Mr. Roosevelt Skerrit from Veille case is PM and they think he has the ability to buy all caribbean jurists to dispense justice on his side. Are we serious people?.
every thing is for a time…and everything can be reversed. do all allu mahjee….WE COMING
Now Caribbean Politicians can do what they want and walk free.. When will our people grow some and stand up, demonstrate, take to the streets to protect justice? And to those who may ask, I am all set for the demonstration. All the opposition and Workers Unions have to do is issue a joint statement calling for it and here we come.
My eyes are on you all anyway.
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
Shameless how many Caribbean Politicians have had cases that went to the ‘Privy Council???”
Think before you speak zey zey, is the case involving LLinton and KPB a political case? It may be heard at the privy council in London, ask anyone of them especially LLinton as he has a talk show on Sundays how cheap it is to get a final opinion for justice at our highest appellate court, the Privy Council!!!!
You ppl are sickening honestly, cause you expose your narrow minded views on the Internet giving the world the impression that we Dominicans are all Idiots!!!!