BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Jul. 06, 2018 – SIR Adrian Saunders has ascended to the presidency of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), when he was sworn in yesterday (Jul. 04) after former President, Dennis Byron relinquished the top post.
Byron, who served in that capacity since 2007, passed the mantle over to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines-born Saunders.
While giving an address at yesterday’s swearing in ceremony, Byron showered praised to the incoming president who is the first leader trained in the regional education system to hold the post.
Sir Byron told the gathering that it was an honour to pass the presidency over to Justice Saunders.
“As I reflect on my tour of duty, I believe that I am handing over an institution that has been serving the needs of the Caribbean people well, both in its jurisdiction and the applicate court, replacing the Privy Council,” Byron said.
CARICOM’s Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, who also showered praised to the new CCJ president, noted that Saunders is the third president to assume that position, explaining that the new leader attaining the position speaks well for the judicial and legal education within the region.
“This represents a milestone in the evolution of our judicial history and sends a positive message to all – not only about the standards at our legal education institutions but also about the confidence of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission has in the graduates,” emphasized LaRocque.
According to the SG, this truly marks the beginning of a new era for the region’s institutions.
Saunders has vast experience in the legal profession, once serving as the Acting Chief Justice at the Caribbean Supreme Court prior to his appointment to the CCJ.
Belize’s Prime Minister, Dean Barrow, head for Judicial matters in CARICOM’s Qusai Cabinet, said that the CCJ’s record of stellar performance has been in no small measure due to its leadership.
That leadership, he posited, is set to continue with the Justice Saunders taking up the responsibility.
