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Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean (OECS) Bar Association expressed satisfaction with the independence of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and called for a public education programme ahead of any referendum to decide on whether or not to make the CCJ the final court of the sub-region.
President of the OECS Bar Association, Tapley Seaton told reporters that the CCJ, established in 2001 to replace the London-based Privy Council as the regions final court of appeal, has proven to be a reputable and competent court having already deliberated on regional matters.
The only two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries that joined the appellate jurisdiction of the CCJ are Barbados and Guyana.
The CCJ, which has both original and appellate jurisdictions, also functions as an international tribunal hearing disputes arising from the interpretation and application of the Revised Treaty under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
Michael Bruney, President of the Dominica Bar Association (DBA) said a public education programme must be conducted in the sub-region before any steps are taken to hold a referendum on whether the nine-member OECS should adopt the CCJ as their final court of appeal.
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