AG pleads for CCJ Bill

As he piloted the Bill, Attorney General John Jeremie pleaded for Opposition support in the passage of the Caribbean Court of Justice Bill, which requires a simple majority. He said great effort had been made in the composition of the Regional Judicial and Legal Service Commission, taking the view  the commission should remain as far as possible, outside of the control of the political directorate of the region.

He added that criteria for appointment and the qualifications required of judges also ensured that persons of the highest calibre are appointed to the regional bench. Citing the fact that Michael De La Bastide, the President of the CCJ, was also appointed a judge on the Privy Council, Jeremie said this appointment was a testimony to the calibre of judges and should allay whatever fears people had about the independence, competence and integrity of the CCJ.