CCJ judges to be called ‘Your Honour’

JUDGES of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will not be addressed as “Mi’lud” as is the custom in the Commonwealth and Privy Council, but will instead be addressed as “Your Honour.” Additionally, attorneys from the various jurisdictions will be allowed to wear their respective country’s court attire, with exception of the wig, when appearing before “their Honours.” These were some of the protocols court administrator Master Christie Ann Morris Alleyne, and protocol officer Dr Anthony Lilla, shared with members of the media on Thursday at a briefing session in the courtroom at Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) building for the first sitting of the CCJ next Monday. While both Alleyne and Lilla announced that the preparation for the historic sitting was going according to plan, but they were quick to point out a major hiccup — the need for more space.

The courtroom they said, is so cramped only three members, one from each of the local daily newspapers and maybe one member of the “wire” services, would be allowed in the courtroom. Members of the Barbadian press will also be accommodated, since the matter is in Barbados. Media houses and attorneys will however be able to get a copy of a DVD audio recording of the proceedings at the end of the day for a sum of US$10. There will be audio/visual recording of all CCJ’s proceedings. At the briefing session, there were five chairs for the five judges who will be hearing the matter, ten chairs for attorneys, and 16 chairs for the litigants, media and members of the public. CCJ registrar Paula Pierre said she hopes to have more accommodations provided for the attorneys.

The first hearing is an application for special leave to appeal from a decision of the Court of Appeal of Barbados. The applicant is Barbados Rediffusion Services Ltd, and the respondents are Asha Mirchandani, Ram Mirchandani and McDonald Farms Ltd. The names of the judges to hear the matter were not released, but some local attorneys believe that CCJ president Michael de la Bastide would be among the five. Hearing starts at 10 am to 12.30 pm. A break is taken and hearing resumes from 2 pm to 4 pm.