Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell added his voice last week to efforts to encourage the nation’s youth to support the Caribbean Court of Justice.
Dr. Mitchell attended an interactive session hosted by the CCJ Advisory Committee at the T. A. Marryshow Community College this week, where former CCJ President, Justice Dennis Byron was the guest speaker.
Addressing students in the packed room, Dr. Mitchell said a vote in support the CCJ is a vote for the future of the country. He reiterated that there is nothing political about acceding to the CCJ as the final appellate court.
“It is unfortunate that when issues of national importance are before us, sometimes petty political interests come into play. The CCJ is above and beyond partisan political interests. This is not a NNP issue, it is not an NDC issue. This is a national issue. Don’t let anyone tell you anything different, this is about you, it’s about your future,” the Prime Minister stated.
Dr. Mitchell encouraged active engagement of the nation’s youth in matters pertaining to the CCJ. “The CCJ is not just about this period in our history; it’s about the future of the country. That is why I believe it’s necessary for you to be actively involved in what this means and how it affects your future; how what is now our final court is affecting your present and your future.”
The Prime Minister expressed confidence in the population to make the right decision; and in the CCJ to adequately dispense justice. “I am convinced that we are mature enough, we are capable enough and we are clear about what is best for us. I am clear that we have the quality of jurists and personnel within our region that we should — as a Caribbean people — have our own final court in our hands.”
In addressing the college students, Sir Dennis Byron encouraged them to begin envisioning a world where they are the leaders. He shared that as a young man, he looked forward to the day when the region would have control of the judiciary.
Opting for an interactive approach, Sir Dennis addressed questions relating to the impartiality of the court, the role of the CCJ in spearheading reform in the judicial process, equal access to justice and ensuring that justice is equitable for all.
On the subject of bias and impartiality, Sir Dennis noted that if there is an appearance of bias, not even actual bias, it is the duty of the judge to recuse himself/herself from the case. Regarding concerns about judgments against government, he noted that several orders have been made against regional governments and in all cases, these have been honoured.
In addition to its mission to promote and protect the rule of law as a court of final appeal, the CCJ has also played a critical role in spearheading reform in the judicial process. Here in Grenada, the CCJ assisted with the design of a system to address a serious backlog in civil cases which was successfully implemented over an 18-month period, resulting in the total elimination of the backlog.
Sir Dennis said the CCJ has proven that it is responsive to the needs of the society and is willing to take action that will have a direct impact on the lives of the people. “We have already demonstrated in Grenada that practical problems that affect the society, we can remedy them immediately and be available for immediate action to support improvements in the way justice is done.”
Sir Dennis also addressed a second gathering on Tuesday evening at the Deluxe Cinema in Grenville.
November 6, 2018 is the date set for the national referendum to determine whether or not the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will replace the Privy Council as the final Court of Appeal for Grenada. A number of public awareness activities are being held in the run-up to the referendum.
