20 Years of the Caribbean Court of Justice
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) was established on 14 February 2001 by the Agreement Establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice, which came into force on 23 July 2002. The Court was then inaugurated on 16 April 2005. Throughout its existence to date, the Court has made significant strides in its efforts to ensure that all citizens of CARICOM have access to fair and efficient justice.
The CCJ not only delivers high-quality judgments but also plays a pivotal role in promoting human rights, equality, and fairness across the region. Through landmark rulings, the Court has reinforced its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of individuals.
Landmark cases
The CCJ has presided over several landmark cases that have shaped Caribbean jurisprudence. These cases, among others, highlight the CCJ’s role in promoting equality, fairness, and integrity across the Caribbean.
Notable cases include:
Appellate Jurisdiction
Barbados Rediffusion v Mirchandani: The case involved defamation claims against Barbados Rediffusion for broadcasting calypsos alleging the plaintiffs sold diseased chickens
AG v Joseph and Boyce: The appellants’ death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment due to enforceable international human rights
Da Costa and Hall v R: Romeo Da Costa Hall’s sentence was deemed excessive as the court failed to account for time spent on remand
Marin and Coye v AG: The Attorney General of Belize sued former ministers for misfeasance in public office related to undervalued land sales
Maya Leaders Alliance v AG of Belize: The CCJ recognized Maya customary land tenure and found the government breached constitutional rights by failing to protect these rights
Eddy Ventose v The Chief Electoral Officer: The CCJ ruled that the Chief Electoral Officer must register Professor Ventose as an elector, rejecting the policy limiting registration to certain Commonwealth citizens
Nervais; Severin v R: The CCJ declared the mandatory death penalty unconstitutional in Barbados, allowing courts to consider mitigating factors
McEwan v AG: The CCJ struck down a law criminalizing cross-dressing in Guyana, deeming it unconstitutional
Pompey v DPP: Linton Pompey’s cumulative 37-year sentence for sexual offences was reduced as it was deemed excessive
R v Flowers: The case involved the appellant’s conviction on multiple counts arising from a vehicular accident involving alcohol
Solomon Marin Jr v R: Solomon Marin Jr’s conviction for kidnapping and robbery was upheld, but he was granted relief for the breach of his constitutional right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time due to a nine-year delay in his appeal
Bisram v DPP: Marcus Bisram’s murder charge was dismissed by the CCJ, which found that the Director of Public Prosecutions’ directive to reopen the preliminary inquiry and commit him for trial violated the separation of powers and his constitutional rights
Caye International Bank v Rosemore International Corp: The CCJ ruled that Caye International Bank breached its duty of care by transferring funds based on fraudulent instructions, resulting in a loss for Rosemore International Corp
James Fields v The State: James Fields’ conviction for manslaughter was upheld, but the CCJ clarified the proper jury instructions regarding the credibility of witnesses found to be lying on oath
McDowall Broadcasting v Guy Joseph: The CCJ dismissed McDowall Broadcasting’s appeal, finding that the defamation claim by Guy Joseph was valid despite procedural irregularities in service of the claim
Apsara Restaurant v Guardian General Insurance: Apsara Restaurant’s claim for fire damage was dismissed as the court found material non-disclosure and breaches of policy terms by the restaurant
Ramon Gaskin v Minister of Natural Resources et al: The CCJ upheld the issuance of a Petroleum Production Licence to ExxonMobil and its partners, despite Gaskin’s challenge regarding environmental permits
AG of Guyana v Environmental Protection Agency et al: The CCJ ruled that the Attorney General should be a party in the lawsuit against the EPA concerning the enforcement of environmental regulations related to ExxonMobil’s operations
Gibson v AG of Barbados: Frank Errol Gibson’s right to a fair trial was upheld, with the court ordering the state to provide the necessary facilities for his defence, including expert witnesses
The AG of Guyana v Cedric Richardson: The CCJ struck down the constitutional amendment that imposed term limits on the presidency, affirming the right of Guyanese citizens to choose their president without such restrictions
Christopher Ram v The AG of Guyana: The CCJ ruled that the no-confidence motion passed against the government was valid, leading to the requirement for fresh elections
Ali & Jagdeo v David & Ors: The CCJ determined that the Guyana Court of Appeal did not have jurisdiction to hear the case regarding the validity of the presidential election results, as this jurisdiction only applies after a president has been elected
Belize International Services Limited v The Attorney General of Belize: The CCJ found that the government breached its contract with BISL by unlawfully taking possession of the International Merchant Marine Registry and International Business Companies Registry, awarding damages to BISL.
Original Jurisdiction
Shanique Myrie v. State of Barbados: Defined the right of CARICOM nationals to freedom of movement within the Caribbean Community.
Mootilal Ramhit and Sons Contracting Limited v The State of Trinidad and Tobago: This case addressed issues related to the freedom of movement of goods within the Caribbean Community.
Rock Hard Cement Limited v The State of Barbados: This case clarified the application of tariffs and trade regulations within CARICOM.
Trinidad Cement Limited v The State of Trinidad and Tobago: This case dealt with the interpretation of trade agreements and the imposition of tariffs within the region.
Trinidad Cement Ltd v. Co-operative Republic of Guyana: Clarified the locus standi of private entities under CARICOM law.
Hummingbird Rice Mills v CARICOM: The CCJ found that Suriname violated the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas by failing to impose the Common External Tariff on flour from outside CARICOM, but did not award damages to Hummingbird Rice Mills due to insufficient evidence of loss.
Advisory Opinion: The CCJ provided an advisory opinion on the interpretation of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, clarifying the legal obligations of member states under the treaty.
Doreen Johnson v CARICAD: The CCJ dismissed Doreen Johnson’s application for special leave to sue CARICAD, finding that CARICAD, as an institution of the Community, could not be sued in the Court’s original jurisdiction.
TCL v Caribbean Community: The CCJ granted special leave to Trinidad Cement Limited to commence proceedings against CARICOM for allegedly violating its obligation to maintain the Common External Tariff on cement
Rudisa Beverages & Juices N V and Caribbean International Distributors Inc and The State of Guyana: The CCJ ruled that Guyana’s environmental tax on non-returnable beverage containers breached the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, ordering Guyana to refund the taxes collected
DCPS v The State of Jamaica: The CCJ found that Jamaica breached the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas by failing to impose the Common External Tariff on soap noodles imported from outside CARICOM, awarding costs to DCPS.
In addition to its judicial functions, the CCJ has adopted modern technology to improve accessibility and efficiency. The introduction of e-filing and virtual hearings has transformed the management of the Court’s matters.
eFiling
E-filing was implemented at the CCJ in 2013, followed by the introduction of electronic case management in January 2017. E-filing offers a convenient, cost-effective, accessible, timely, and environmentally friendly way to file court matters at the CCJ. By providing 24/7 access to stakeholders, e-filing has eliminated various constraints imposed by geographical boundaries and traditional court hours. Litigants from across the Caribbean and beyond — ranging from Belize in Central America to Suriname and Guyana in South America, as well as Jamaica and numerous islands of the Anglophone Caribbean — appear before the CCJ.
The Court’s unwavering dedication to delivering top-tier service at an affordable cost inspired us early on to embrace modern information and communication technology in innovative ways. The Court’s operations, including its core judicial functions, are primarily paperless. Our e-filing and digital case management systems have streamlined case management and made statistical analysis of filed cases easier.
Virtual Hearings
In its early years, the Court decided to incorporate virtual hearings to enhance accessibility. The virtual hearings were done by the Multipoint Control Unit, where attorneys had to be in the same room as the MCU device. The Court then transitioned to a video technology platform called Pexip, allowing attorneys to use a laptop or video conferencing unit from any location.
The Court sought to improve its technology and implemented video conferencing via Microsoft Teams, an application used by the court to conduct video conference calls. It is cross-compatible with a wide range of devices, including phones, computers, tablets, and more. The Teams platform is easily accessible to external stakeholders.
Cases being heard online is a welcoming initiative that provides litigants and attorneys with greater convenience and cost savings by eliminating travel expenses. The public can view our hearings in real time on the Court’s YouTube platform. By eliminating the need for both physical travel to the courthouse and the use of paper, the adoption of these technologies fully supports the Court’s “Go Green” initiative, which encourages and promotes environmentally friendly practices.
Organisational Strategic Planning
The CCJ has devised five-year strategic plans as dynamic tools to guide its continuous improvement in delivering justice. These plans are designed to help the Court adapt to challenges, build internal resilience, enhance operational efficiency, and improve access to stakeholders. Under the theme “Unlocking Potential”, the Strategic Plan 2019-2024 outlines the Court’s direction and strategic responses to stakeholder expectations.
A Monitoring and Evaluation Committee oversees adherence to the Strategic Plan, ensuring that the CCJ stays focused on its mission and vision. This committee is currently developing the strategic plan for 2025-2030, undertaking significant initiatives and surveys to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the upcoming plan. The plan encompasses goals and strategies designed to enhance Caribbean jurisprudence and foster equality, fairness, integrity, and accessibility for all stakeholders.
Policies and Procedures
The CCJ remains steadfast in upholding its mission of “providing accessible, fair and efficient justice for the people and states of the Caribbean Community”. Testament to the Court’s mission, in December 2024, the Court implemented the Policy to Improve Access to Justice and Provide Accommodations to Persons with Disabilities. This policy was developed by the CCJ Committee for Improving Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities and was approved by the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC). It aims to ensure equitable access to justice and opportunities within the Court for persons with disabilities (PWDs) who may utilise the Court’s services or who may be in the Court’s employ.
On 13 February 2025, the Court facilitated a sensitisation session on the new policy for all Court employees. The session, hosted by human rights and PWD activists Mrs Ria Mohammed-Davidson and Ms Shamla Maharaj, began with a focus on ensuring accessibility in the workplace and emphasising the need to provide all staff with equitable access to reasonable accommodations that may facilitate their disability or disabilities. Staff were educated on the types of challenges PWDs may face in the workplace and which measures can be implemented to mitigate and even prevent such concerns. The session ended with an interactive exercise in which staff were asked to participate in a group discussion and apply the new policy to a potential scenario for a PWD employee.
The CCJ is also committed to maintaining high standards of technological advancement to ensure efficient and effective service delivery for all its users. Accordingly, the Court implemented a new Practice Direction (PD) for all Court users and staff: The Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Court Proceedings. This PD provides guidance on the permissible use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI) technology to a large group of court users, including attorneys, parties, witnesses, self-represented persons, and other Court users. A sensitisation session on the newly introduced PD was hosted on 20 February 2025 for all court employees. The session was led by the Information Services Department who guided staff through a presentation on the PD, ensuring that staff were educated on the general principles of the PD, guidance for specific users of Generative AI, specific requirements and restrictions of Generative AI and consequences resulting from failure to comply with the new PD.
Regional Collaborations
The CCJ actively participates in various regional events that contribute to enhancing the judicial and legal landscape of the Caribbean. These collaborations include the CCJ International Law Moot and the biennial conferences of the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers. Additionally, the Court engages with institutions such as universities, bar associations, non-governmental organisations, and international entities, both regionally and globally. These efforts foster a collaborative environment that enhances legal practices and judicial standards across the Caribbean.
CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)
The CCJ plays a crucial role in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), which aims to integrate the economies of CARICOM member states. The Court’s Original Jurisdiction allows it to interpret and apply the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, ensuring uniformity and consistency in the application of CSME laws.
15th Annual CCJ International Law Moot
The CCJ collaborates with law schools and law faculties from across the region, particularly through the Annual CCJ International Law Moot. This event engages law students from across the region in simulated court proceedings, fostering legal education, and practical experience.
On 20 and 21 March 2025, the CCJ hosted its 15th Annual CCJ International Law Moot. The event took place at the Court’s headquarters in Port of Spain before a bench of three judges. The Moot is a flagship event for the Court and brings together future legal practitioners from throughout the region to present arguments before a panel of CCJ Judges in the Court’s Original Jurisdiction. In this jurisdiction, the CCJ is responsible for applying and interpreting the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC), the foundational agreement of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). As such, any legal issues arising under the RTC, including the right to the freedom of movement of people and capital or the right of establishment within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, must be decided by the CCJ in its Original Jurisdiction.
The competition was fierce as eight teams from across the Caribbean region took part in the Law Moot, including Anton de Kom University of Suriname; Eugene Dupuch Law School from The Bahamas; Hugh Wooding Law School from Trinidad and Tobago; Norman Manley Law School from Jamaica; The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados; The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica; The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; and the University of Guyana. The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill prevailed as the Judges remarked that the team was ‘extremely well-prepared’. This marks the second win for the Barbados-based faculty, having previously won the competition in 2012. The UWI, Cave Hill, also secured the title of Best Academic Institution.
Referral Trainings
To support this initiative, the CCJ has conducted several referral training sessions to educate judicial officers on the referral process under the RTC. These sessions ensure that national courts and tribunals can effectively engage the CCJ for interpretive assistance on matters concerning CARICOM law. The referral process fosters close cooperation between national courts and the CCJ, promoting consistent and harmonious application of Community Law across member states. Countries that have participated in these referral trainings include Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Collaborations over recent years
2025
Jamaican Judicial Wellbeing three-day conference
Regional Meeting on Judicial Integrity
ELPAcCTO 2.0 Europe-Latin America Assistance Programme against Transnational Organised Crime
155th anniversary of the administration of justice in Suriname
Second Hemispheric Meeting of Regional Courts of the Americas
Guest Lecture: “Constitutional Supremacy and Separation of Powers: Their Impact on Statutory Interpretation in CCJ Jurisprudence”
‘A Mona Law Conversation on Caribbean Constitutional Law’
Guest Lecture at Norman Manley Law School: The Role of the CCJ in Advancing Caribbean Jurisprudence
IACHR-CCJ High-level Dialogue
Lecture at Anton de Kom University in Suriname on an Introduction to the CCJ
Hemispheric Meeting of Regional Courts (Quito, Ecuador): Presentation on CCJ and CCJ Trust Fund
MOU between CCJ and UNESCO to provide a framework of cooperation and to facilitate collaboration between UNESCO and the Caribbean Court of Justice
Organisation of the Commonwealth Caribbean Bar Association Distinguished Lecture
2024
Caribbean Development Bank’s Leadership Engagement Series: ‘Exploring Pathways to Social Justice’
Fifth Caribbean Judges’ Forum On HIV, Human Rights and the Law 2023
Opening Ceremony of the Connected Caribbean Summit 2023: ‘Strengthening Caribbean Resilience, Accelerating Caribbean Development’
UNODC High-Level Special Event: “The Power of Gender Equality & Inclusion to Combat Corruption”; Tenth session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption
Understanding the Referral Obligation of the Original Jurisdiction: Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago
Second Hybrid High-Level Dialogue Table: ‘Steps taken by the CCJ to address incidences of violence and discrimination against vulnerable groups’
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights: Systems and Processes of the Caribbean Court of Justice
2023
First Hemispheric meeting of Regional Courts
Final meeting of the UWI-CCJ-CAJO Joint Caribbean Centric Jurisprudence Research Project
UWI Cave Hill and Shridath Ramphal Centre for Trade Law Policy and Services: Caribbean Community Law and the Caribbean Court of Justice
2022
Virtual engagement with Mona Law School first-year class
Virtual Conference of CARICOM Chief Justices and Heads of Judiciary
SRC/UWI short course on the CCJ and Community Law
Guest lecture at the International Trade Law Class, UWI Law Faculty on “The role of the CCJ settling trade disputes arising from the interpretation and application of the Revised Treaty of Chauguaramas”
Being Media Ready: Media Conference simulation between CCJ and the TT Judiciary. Training hosted by JURIST Project
The CCJ Academy for Law (CAL)
The CCJ Academy for Law has been instrumental in advancing legal education and judicial practices in the Caribbean. Here are some notable events organised by the Academy:
Biennial Conferences
7th Biennial Conference (2023): Focused on criminal justice reform in the Caribbean, aiming to achieve a modern criminal justice system.
6th Biennial Conference (2020): Addressed legal dimensions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
5th Biennial Conference (2018): Explored the future of legal practice in the Caribbean as a catalyst for regional success.
4th Biennial Conference (2016): Reappraised the role of common law and civil law practitioners.
3rd Biennial Conference (2014): Discussed the implementation of international law, including global and regional trade rules.
2nd Biennial Conference (2012): Examined the interface of WTO law and policy with economic partnership and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
1st Biennial Conference (2010): Focused on international law and its relevance for CSME litigation.
Other Events
Hague Conference on Private International Law (October 2024): An intergovernmental organisation event aimed at unifying rules of private international law.
Belize Conference on Criminal Justice Reform (September 2024): Funded by the EU and UNDP, focusing on criminal justice reform.
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Annual Judicial Conference (August 2024): Aimed at enhancing the skills of judicial officers through continuous training.
Regional Town Hall – Needham’s Point Declaration First Anniversary: A regional town hall event at the Faculty of Law, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica, in collaboration with the International Development Bank (IDB), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the University of the West Indies (UWI), commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Needham’s Point Declaration.
The Legendary Caribbean Legal Practitioners Event: Held at Norman Manley Law School.
Intellectual Property Case Law Conference.
UWI Symposium on Crime and Criminality.
Recent Collaborations
Barbados Backlog Symposium
Upcoming Event
8th Biennial Law Conference (November 2025): Celebrating 20 years of CCJ jurisprudence, reflecting on the Court’s contributions to Caribbean jurisprudence.
Impact in the Region
The CCJ Academy for Law has been pivotal in promoting legal education, judicial independence, and access to justice in the Caribbean. Its initiatives include:
Training and Evaluation: Enhancing court administration and problem-solving capabilities.
Seminars and Workshops: Facilitating practical learning and deeper understanding of court administration.
Regional Integration: Promoting awareness and advocacy for regional integration law and Caribbean jurisprudence.
Reducing Backlogs: Implementing programs to decrease case backlogs and improve access to justice.
Through these efforts, the CCJ Academy for Law continues to play a vital role in strengthening the legal framework and judicial practices across the Caribbean.
Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO)
The CCJ is a key partner in CAJO, a non-profit organisation that promotes the professional development of judicial officers in the Caribbean. Through CAJO, the CCJ supports conferences, workshops, and seminars aimed at enhancing judicial standards and practices. CAJO has played a pivotal role in promoting judicial education and professional development throughout the Caribbean. Here are some of the notable events organised by CAJO:
Biennial Conferences
8th Biennial Conference (2024): Held in Bermuda, focused on holistic approaches to the administration of justice.
7th Biennial Conference (2022): Addressed judicial independence and public confidence in the administration of justice.
6th Biennial Conference (2019): Explored the impact of technology on judicial processes and the importance of judicial wellness.
5th Biennial Conference (2017): Discussed the role of judicial officers in promoting human rights and access to justice.
4th Biennial Conference (2015): Focused on enhancing judicial efficiency and case management.
3rd Biennial Conference (2013): Examined the challenges and opportunities in Caribbean jurisprudence.
2nd Biennial Conference (2011): Addressed the integration of international law into Caribbean judicial practices.
1st Biennial Conference (2009): Launched CAJO’s mission to strengthen judicial education and collaboration in the region.
Other Events
Judicial Education Programme for the Judiciary of Guyana (January 2025): Intensive training for judicial officers and research assistants.
Judicial Education Programme for the Judiciary of Barbados (2024): Focused on value-centric approaches to excellence.
Judicial Education Programme for the Judiciary of the Bahamas (2023): Addressed effective case flow management and legal research tools.
Caribbean Judges’ Forum on HIV, Human Rights, and the Law: Current legal frameworks in Anglo-Caribbean states and how the courts can guarantee a rights-based future for all citizens.
First Legal Conference on Criminal Justice Reform: Advancing the Needham’s Point Declaration.
Recent Collaborations
Virtual Roundtable Discussion with UWI Mona Law and the UWI Mona Public Libraries: “Social and Economic Rights: Constitutional Design and Adjudication” – A CCJ 20th anniversary initiative.
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Conflict Management for Registrars.
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Active Case Management Session.
Impact in the Region
CAJO has significantly contributed to the development of judicial practices in the Caribbean through various initiatives:
Training and Development: Providing continuous legal education and skills-based training for judicial officers.
Judicial Independence: Promoting the independence of the judiciary and enhancing public confidence in the administration of justice.
Access to Justice: Implementing programs to improve access to justice for all citizens, including persons with disabilities.
Technological Integration: Facilitating the adoption of technology in judicial processes to improve efficiency and case management.
Judicial Wellness: Addressing the well-being of judicial officers through dedicated sessions and guidelines.
Through these efforts, CAJO continues to play a vital role in strengthening the judicial framework and promoting excellence in the administration of justice across the Caribbean.
Judicial Reform and Institutional Strengthening Project
The Judicial Reform and Institutional Strengthening (JURIST) Project was a multi-year initiative aimed at improving court administration and the administration of justice in the Caribbean. The project ran from 2014 to 2023.
Notable Events by the JURIST Project
Sexual Offences Model Court Launch: Establishment of specialised courts to handle sexual offence cases aimed at improving the efficiency and sensitivity of judicial processes.
Delay and Backlog Elimination Mechanisms: Implementation of strategies to reduce case backlogs and delays in court systems across the Caribbean.
Public Education and Customer Feedback Initiatives: Programs designed to educate the public about the judicial system and gather feedback to improve court services.
Re-Engineering of Business Processes: Efforts to modernise court administration processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Capacity Building Workshops: Training sessions for judicial officers and court staff to improve their skills and knowledge.
Regional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Initiatives: Projects aimed at integrating ICT solutions into court systems to streamline operations and improve access to justice.
The JURIST Project concluded in 2023. These events and initiatives highlight the JURIST Project’s commitment to enhancing the judicial landscape in the Caribbean through modernisation, education, and capacity-building.
European Union (EU) and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)
The CCJ has received substantial support from the European Union (EU), particularly through the European Development Fund (EDF). This support has facilitated various projects aimed at strengthening the judicial systems in CARICOM member states, including training programmes and infrastructure development.
These collaborations underscore the CCJ’s dedication to regional integration and the advancement of a comprehensive legal framework in the Caribbean. By collaborating with these institutions, the CCJ continues to play a pivotal role in promoting justice and fostering legal cooperation in the region.
ICCE Induction
The International Consortium of Court Excellence (ICCE) is a global network of courts and organisations with expertise in court and judicial administration, committed to ensuring high-quality service delivery. The Consortium’s goal is to continuously develop and implement a framework of values, concepts, and tools for courts and tribunals aimed at enhancing the quality of justice and judicial administration. This framework is referred to as the International Framework for Court Excellence (IFCE). In January 2022, the Caribbean Court of Justice was admitted to the ICCE and adopted the framework that employs a methodology featuring continuous self-improvement through a cycle of self-assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation in its non-judicial work.
Needham’s Point Declaration on Criminal Justice Reform
From 18 to 20 October 2023, Prime Ministers, Attorneys General, Ministers of National Security, Heads of Judiciaries, judicial officers, Directors of Public Prosecution, Commissioners of Police, Commissioners of Prisons, criminal defence attorneys, law students, and members of civil society from across the region convened at the Hilton Barbados Resort, in Needham’s Point, Bridgetown, Barbados for the CCJ Academy for Law’s 7th Biennial Conference. The conference, themed “Criminal Justice Reform in the Caribbean: Achieving a Modern Criminal Justice System”, sought to effect improvements in the criminal justice systems across the Caribbean by bringing together stakeholders to develop practical solutions to address the issues plaguing criminal justice in the region. Through this convention, a Declaration embodying experiences, best practices and recommended action was developed and adopted by the participants as a commitment to improving criminal justice.
During the three days of the conference, participants engaged in stimulating discussions, which the Drafting Committee of the 7th Biennial Law Conference documented and captured as recommendations in a document collectively agreed to be referred to as the “Needham’s Point Declaration on Criminal Justice Reform: Achieving a Modern Criminal Justice System”.
The Declaration, which was discussed, deliberated and adopted by acclamation by the participants, comprised several key areas, including policy interventions, legislative interventions, prosecution and police, representation and support for the accused, victims/survivors charter of rights and judicial interventions. Some of the more specific recommendations included the establishment of Public Defender Offices throughout the Caribbean Community, the creation of a new category of judicial officers for handling pre-trial matters, and enhanced protection and status for Magistrates to titled “Summary Judges”. There was a collective call for trials to be held within one year (but not more than two to three years) of the accused being charged; judgments to be delivered within not more than six months; enhanced capability and use of forensic science centres in the region to strengthen the prosecution of serious crimes and establishment of a Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund capitalised in part by the proceeds would come from the civil and criminal assets forfeiture.