Jamaican Sworn in As CCJ President

The Hon. Mr. Justice Winston Anderson was on Sunday (July 6) officially sworn in as the fourth President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), during the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, presided over the ceremony held at the Jewel Grande Resort in Montego Bay, St. James.

He said that the Jamaican brings to the office a distinguished record of scholarship, integrity and unwavering commitment to the ideals of justice.

“His appointment is not only a personal triumph, but also a resounding testament to our regional confidence in our own talents, values and ability to lead on the world stage,” the Governor-General said, wishing the new CCJ President strength and success as he assumes the role.

Justice Anderson hails from St. Ann and holds degrees from the University of the West Indies (UWI) and Cambridge University in England.

He served as a law lecturer and General Counsel to CARICOM prior to his appointment to the CCJ in 2010. Over the years, he has been instrumental in shaping regional jurisprudence and strengthening the Court’s role in the Caribbean legal landscape.

The Governor-General also commended outgoing President, the Hon. Mr. Justice Adrian Saunders for his leadership.

“Justice Saunders has carried out the responsibilities of his office with wisdom and humility and an unwavering commitment to judicial excellence. Under his leadership, the Court has solidified its role in regional integration, elevated the quality of legal discourse and built enduring trust across the Caribbean,” he said.

Justice Saunders congratulated the new CCJ President, noting “I have had the great privilege of working alongside him over the last 15 years and I can say, without any contradiction, that he is ideally suited and extremely well prepared for the enhanced role he is set to play.”

He informed that Justice Anderson has written or co-authored some 32 opinions, most of which he delivered the leading opinion, and commended his leadership in court policies and planning.

“Justice Anderson has been the tower of strength… he has, for several years, successfully led our Policies and Procedures Approval Committee… [and] chairs our very important Strategic Plan Committee,” Justice Saunders pointed out.

CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, in her remarks, expressed confidence in Justice Anderson’s leadership, noting that with the wealth of experience he brings “the presidency is in knowledgeable and capable hands.”

Justice Anderson, in his response, reflected on his journey and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as CCJ President, noting that he accepted the post with “humility and preparedness to serve”.

He acknowledged the foundational work of his predecessors, highlighting that “President Michael de la Bastide laid the foundation… President Sir Dennis Barron brought the technological revolution to the court… My immediate predecessor, President Adrian Saunders, furthered that mission by providing excellent and outstanding leadership.”

The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the CCJ as the Court continues its vital role in shaping Caribbean jurisprudence and advancing regional integration.

Among the attendees at the swearing in ceremony were, CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness; Prime Minister of Belize and Lead Head of Government for Justice and Governance at CARICOM, Hon. John Briceno; Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith; and Chief Justice, Hon. Mr. Justice Bryan Sykes.