PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — In a significant development for the judicial landscape of the Caribbean, Jamaican-born jurist Justice Winston Anderson has been appointed to act as president of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The appointment, made by Grenada’s Prime Minister and current chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) grouping, Dickon Mitchell, underscores the region’s commitment to strengthening its judicial institutions.
Justice Anderson steps into this role under the provisions established in the CCJ’s founding agreement, which was set up to replace the London-based Privy Council as the highest judicial authority in the region. According to the agreement signed in 2001, when the sitting president is unavailable, the duties “shall be performed by the judge of the court who is most senior according to the date of this appointment,” and this needs to be formalized by a letter from the chairman of the Caricom conference.
Justice Adrian Saunders, the current CCJ President, is on leave until September 16, 2024. Given that Justice Anderson was appointed to the court in June 2010, he stands as the most senior judge, making him the natural choice for the acting presidency.
Justice Anderson’s appointment marks an important moment for the CCJ, as it continues to play a pivotal role in interpreting the law and delivering justice within the Caribbean community. As he assumes his duties, the region looks forward to his leadership during this interim period, confident in his extensive experience and dedication to justice.
Justice Anderson’s tenure as acting president will be closely watched by legal professionals and the public alike, as the CCJ continues its work to uphold laws and provide fair and equitable rulings for the Caribbean nations.
