CCJ reserves decision in Shanique Myrie case

Barbara Gayle, Justice Coordinator

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has reserved its decision on the application by the Jamaican Government to join in the Shanique Myrie case.

Myrie, a Jamaican, has taken the Barbadian Government to the CCJ on allegations that she was sexually assaulted by an immigration officer at the Grantley Adams International Airport last year.

Jamaica’s application to intervene in the case was heard today by three CCJ judges led by its president Sir Charles Byron via video link to the Supreme Court.

The application was made by Dr Kathy-Ann Brown, the deputy solicitor general and O’Neil Francis, Crown Counsel from the Attorney General’s Department.

The lawyers say the application was made to protect the interest of the Jamaican people under the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

Myrie was at the hearing today in the Supreme Court and was represented by attorneys at law Michelle Brown and Nancy Anderson.

The Barbados Government had earlier objected to the Jamaican Government becoming a party to the suit brought by Myrie.

But Myrie and her lawyers are in support of the Jamaican Government’s petition.

Myrie claims she was also subjected to forceful and brutish language by the officials at the airport on her arrival.

In April, the CCJ awarded legal cost to Myrie after the Barbadian government conceded that she had a case.

The matter has been put on hold pending the outcome of the application by the Jamaican Government to join the proceedings.

barbara.gayle@gleanerjm.com