History was made at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Monday, as Justice Winston Anderson became the first Jamaican to be appointed President.
According to the CCJ, Mr. Justice Anderson “has the distinction of being the first Jamaican and, at age 49, the youngest judge ever appointed to the CCJ. The Judge was also the first whose swearing-in ceremony was specifically held in his country of origin and was the first to give a substantive response to the elevation to the Bench of the CCJ.”
Speaking at a Special Sitting to commemorate the inauguration of Justice Anderson as CCJ President on Monday, Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago, Ivor Archie, described his appointment as a sign of hope and a remarkable story of purpose, exemplifying the boundless capacity of our people.
“You are the latest in a line of presidents of impeccable judicial pedigree, and the people of the Caribbean should have confidence that we are well led and more than adequately served. It ought not to be long before all the territories of the region express that confidence in a more tangible way. Honourable President, your journey to this distinguished position is a remarkable story of talent, perseverance and purpose. In you, we have the quintessential Caribbean jurist, a citizen of two Caribbean countries and, if I may dare to claim it, domiciled in a third.”
Justice Anderson, cementing his commitment to serving the people through the court, revealed a strategic plan with areas of priority. The plan, he said, aims to advance the growth of Caribbean jurisprudence while embracing the vision of judicial excellence.
“The strategic plan recognises as the first area for strategic priority and intervention the continued delivery of high-quality judgements to the people and states of the community. It considers the efficient management of court operations to be essential to upholding the CCJ’s reputation for judicial excellence and independence. Our bench and administrative support will maintain a constant line of sight to the mission and vision of the court.”
The new CCJ President reiterated the importance of courts serving as the cornerstone of justice and of the rule of law.
“Courts ensure laws are applied fairly, uphold individual rights, and maintain public trust through impartiality and transparency. The ceremonial opening of the court year is a moment for all legal professionals to reflect and to recommit to their calling to pursue justice. In a world facing complex legal and moral dilemmas, the law must be upheld as a beacon of reason, fairness, and civilisation.”
Justice Anderson’s brilliance, humility, and dedication to Caribbean jurisprudence were also highlighted at Monday’s inauguration.