The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) held a historic sitting in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in its 13-year history.
The Ceremonial Sitting, which was hosted in the House of Assembly, was attended by Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Leader of the Opposition D. Godwin Friday, Speaker of the House of Assembly Jomo Thomas and heads of regional judiciaries, court of appeal judges, diplomats and members of the legal fraternity.
CCJ President Adrian Saunders in explaining the decision to host the sitting in St. Vincent and the Grenadines said it resulted from a desire “to provide an opportunity for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to see and meet with the judges of the CCJ.”
The president also called on regional governments to complete the circle of independence and accede to the Appellate Jurisdiction of the CCJ.
In addressing the gathering, Dr. Gonsalves said he never thought he would see the day that the Caribbean Court of Justice sat in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Defending the independence of the CCJ, Dr. Gonsalves dismissed the notion that the court is susceptible to political interference.
Jamaica’s Chief Justice Byran Sykes in his address acknowledged the increase efficiency of the court, noting the impact of the CCJ in the region.
