The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC), which is responsible for the appointment of the Judges and staff of the Caribbean Court of Justice, has broken its silence on the controversy surrounding leaked emails of Judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice and some of those Judges expressing concern about leadership of the Court under its President, Justice Winston Anderson.

The RJLSC believes there should be a review of the issues raised.

Justice Winston Anderson is the current Chairman of the RJLSC.

While not setting a timeline for a review, the RJLSC promised that it will be a transparent process in the ‘interest of the region’.

“The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC/Commission) is aware of the recent allegations concerning the administration of the Caribbean Court of Justice (Court) and the independence of its Judges. The Commission recognises the seriousness of these matters and the importance of addressing them in a manner that protects public trust and confidence in the Court and the broader administration of justice throughout the Caribbean. As a result, the RJLSC believes that these concerns are best addressed through the established internal governance mechanisms of the Court and the Commission, and through a transparent and independent review undertaken in the best interest of the Region,” the RJLSC said in a statement.

The RJLSC is a dedica­ted commission established under the agreement esta­blishing the CCJ, bringing together legal professionals, public service leaders, and civil society representatives, according to its website.

The commission notes that one of its functions includes the exercise of disciplinary control over judges of the Court, other than the president, and over officials and employees of the Court.

The Commission said it maintains an “open door policy” for all members of staff and Judges, to address concerns and seek resolution on any matter relating to the execution of their functions and overall wellbeing.

It noted that in the twenty-three years since its establishment, it has enjoyed fruitful working relationships with the Court.

The report by the Sunday Express about the internal wranglings at the CCJ has sparked a Judicial debate across the region on the Independence of the CCJ.

President of the Jamaican Senate, King’s Counsel Tom Tavares-Finson  was the latest to add his voice to the issue saying it would be extremely reckless for Jamaica to commit to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as its final appellate court given the turmoil currently gripping the institution.

However, Regional Judicial Heads have indicated their continuing confidence in the Court, while being concerned about the leak of internal correspondences.

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