Myrie Case Cited As Good Example Of CCJ Performance

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Published on Tuesday, 29 October 2013 13:34

Written by Ken Richards

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St Kitts and Nevis (WINN):

The Shanique Myrie case is being held up by one retired jurist as an example of “how well” the Caribbean Court of Justice is working.
Former Chief Justice of the OECS Supreme Court, Sir Brian Alleyne, says critics of the CCJ should note that the results of the case speak volumes about the independence of the court and the professionalism of the Justices who sit on that court.
Sir Brian says too often local courts are abused verbally because those concerned contend that rulings are made based on bias rather than on merit.
He says these criticisms often go on to expand into suggestions that Caribbean states should keep the London-based Privy Council instead of signing up to the CCJ as their final appellate body.
“The recent decision of the Myrie case in the Caribbean Court of Justice is a good example I think, of the independence of the court’” Sir Brian told WINN FM.
“The court deciding in favour of the citizen over the interests of Barbados -  to me that’s a very strong indication of the independence of the Court.  I think judges are very aware of their responsibility and the traditions which govern the independence of the judiciary,” the retired justice said.
Vincentian attorney Kay Bacchus Browne remains unconvinced however, that the CCJ is the way to go.
Only three Caribbean countries: Barbados, Belize and Guyana, have the Caribbean Court as their final appellate jurisdiction to date.
“I think that the courts are somehow too near to the political directorate, and they are appointed by the political directorate even thought it may be constituted in a different name,” the Vincentian lawyer said.
Meanwhile the president of the St Kitts and Nevis Bar Association – Charles Wilkin QC, says he is concerned that some leading politicians in the region pay only lip service to the regional court. - 

See more at: http://www.winnfm.com/news/local/6040-myrie-case-cited-as-good-example-of-ccj-performance#sthash.Irk97BWu.dpuf