BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, September 7th, 2011 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis and other member countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) are in full support of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
Speaking at the Swearing-In of Kittitian the Right Hon. Sir Dennis Byron as Chief Justice of the CCJ, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas said the sub-regional grouping will accede as a unit to the CCJ once some technical issues are clarified.
He said the Caribbean Court of Justice is a necessary and significant achievement for the people of the Caribbean.
“It represents a needed and crucial break with our colonial past, as we continue our developmental processes as independent countries and people of the Caribbean Community,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
He told over 600 invited guests including a Caribbean President, a Prime Minister, Attorneys General, Judges, Attorneys General, Government officials, Legal Luminaries and students that it was also a significant recognition of the confidence the OECS has in the Judicial expertise and systems of the region.
“Let there be no doubt that the CCJ will stand the test of time as an institution that would be noted throughout the world for fairness, professionalism and adherence to the rule of law in its dispensation of justice to our people and the business sector of the Caribbean Community,” said the St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister.
Dr. Douglas placed on record the OECS unwavering support of the CCJ.
“The delay in signing on to the appellate jurisdiction of this vital institution comes as a result of a decision that had been taken by Member States to accede as a unit to the CCJ. In addition, there are some technical issues that needed clarification.
As a consequence, the OECS has sought legal advice to address such matters, and once the issues are resolved, Member States will accede to the appellate jurisdiction of the CCJ,” said Dr. Douglas.
He said: “I say clearly that St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as States of the OECS, is in full support of the Caribbean Court of Justice and has full confidence in its continuing positive role, as the region moves forward with its developmental agenda.”
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