Port of Spain, Trinidad. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) sat in St Vincent and the Grenadines today, July 20, 2018 for the first time in its 13-year history. The Ceremonial Sitting concluded the Court’s inauguration activities for its recently sworn- in President, the Honourable Mr. Justice Adrian Saunders. Hosted in the House of Assembly, Kingstown the sitting was attended by various members of local government including Dr the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Leader of the Opposition Dr Godwin Friday, Speaker of the House of Assembly Mr Jomo Thomas and Heads of regional judiciaries, Court of Appeal judges, diplomats and numerous local attorneys.

During his presentation, the CCJ President explained the decision to host the Sitting in St Vincent and the Grenadines. He stated that it resulted from a desire “to provide an opportunity for the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines to see and meet with the Judges of the CCJ. And, naturally, it gives the Judges, only one of whom is Vincentian, the opportunity to experience the flavour and nuances of the rich diversity of the Caribbean and SVG in particular.” In an afternoon in which, speakers quoted various regional musicians, poets, eminent academics and jurists; there were many who both lauded the character, temperament and integrity of the CCJ’s third President and who also called upon regional nations to complete the circle of independence and accede to the Appellate Jurisdiction of the CCJ…[+]