CCJ head defends integrity of court

The President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has responded to concerns that the court is susceptible to political interference because of the small space in which it operates.

Delivering a public lecture at the University of the West Indies last evening, Sir Dennis Byron, said he was aware of opposition to Jamaica’s adoption of the CCJ as its final court.

However, he says concerns about the ability of the court’s judges to remain independent because of issues of familiarity are unfounded.

In fact, Sir Dennis believes the close knit nature of the Caribbean Community could help to ensure judges maintain their integrity.

Sir Dennis says concerns about Jamaica adopting the court in its appellate jurisdiction result from a lack of knowledge about the institution.

He says the media have a duty to educate the region on the benefits of the CCJ.

In the meantime, President of the Jamaican Bar Association, Ian Wilkinson, who also spoke at the forum, said there would be no point in holding a referendum at this time to decide whether Jamaica adopts the CCJ as its final court.

Last July, the Government tabled three Bills in the House of Representatives aimed at replacing the Privy Council with the CCJ as Jamaica's final court.

However, the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has called for a referendum to let the public decide.

Sir Dennis' visit comes less than two weeks before the CCJ opens its first hearing in Jamaica to consider the Shanique Myrie case against the Barbadian Government.

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