CCJ judges coming to Jamaica next year for Shanique Myrie case

Barbara Gayle, Justice Coordinator

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is to sit in Jamaica for the first time from March 4 – 12 to hear the Shanique Myrie case.

Myrie has taken the Barbadian Government to the CCJ on allegations that she was
assaulted by an immigration officer last year.

The court had a case management hearing today and the trial dates were set.

Myrie’s lawyer Michelle Brown asked for the first part of the trial to be held in Jamaica because it will be too costly for Jamaican witnesses to travel to Barbados and Trinidad.

She says the CCJ’s panel of judges will be coming in March and the hearings will
be held either at the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal.

The attorney says the second part of the hearing will be from March 18 – 22 in
Barbados and that lawyers will make oral submissions in Trinidad from April 8-9.

She also says the court is anxious to have matter heard and completed early.

Myrie has accused Barbadian border officials of assaulting her during a cavity
search at the Grantley Adams International Airport on March 14 last year.

She also claims that she was subjected to forceful and brutish language by airport officials on her arrival.

Myrie wants the CCJ to determine the minimum standard of treatment to be given to CARICOM nationals moving within the region under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and its goal of hassle-free travel.

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

The Jamaican Government has been granted leave to join the proceedings.

The government says its decision is aimed at protecting the interest of Jamaicans.