BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, September 7th, 2011 (CUOPM) – Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas says he hopes newly-appointed President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, the Right Hon. Sir Dennis Byron would continue to fulfill the expectation of Caribbean people and business for fair justice and the protection of rights as the CCJ goes into its sixth year since its inauguration.
Recording his sentiments of sincerest congratulations on behalf of the Governments and people of member countries of the Caribbean Community, Dr. Douglas expressed thanks to Sir Dennis for his stellar guidance and performance as President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).
“When studies have documented the deleterious effects on our region, as scores of our educated citizens migrated to more developed countries in the 1970s and 1980s, it is heart-warming, but in no way surprising, to hear that our Caribbean people are leaving indelible marks in various capacities in the international arena.
We shall continue to laud such Caribbean people as illustrious examples of our potential, determination and fortitude,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
He said that the Caribbean people is “elated, indeed, that after years of international learning, practice and exposure, Sir Dennis Byron has opted to return his vast legal expertise to the region of his birth in the capacity as President of the Caribbean Court of Justice.”
He said the world watches the growing strength of another significant Caribbean Community institution, and, without a shadow of a doubt, Sir Dennis is ably taking the reins from former President, the Right Honourable Mr. Justice Michael de la Bastide TC.
“When the valiant efforts, as it pertains to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy and the general development of the region are considered against the seminal work of the ICTR, the appointment of Sir Byron is inspiring and filled with hope and promise.
In times, unfortunately, marred by the offshoots of international economic challenges and escalating numbers of incidents of violence and criminal activity, the CCJ becomes increasingly relevant to our collective efforts to navigate through these obstacles, whether through the discharge of its original or appellate jurisdiction,” said the Prime Minister, who saluted the work of the CCJ since its inauguration on April 16, 2005, and noted its thorough and fitting judicial pronouncements in wide and varying areas of law, and, of course, in its interpretation and application of the Treaty of Chaguaramas.
“We trust that outgoing President Mr. Justice de la Bastide would continue to lend his voice and expertise to the development of the region. There is no doubt that you have served the Caribbean well, and as the Chairman of CARICOM, allow me to convey heartfelt gratitude for your service, and I wish you a fruitful and well-deserved retirement.
Sir, you have had the privilege of being the first, and as such, those who follow must meet and surpass the bar that you have set so high,” said the St. Kitts and Nevis leader.
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