Caribbean Judiciary Heads express confidence in CCJ, describing it as a vital regional judicial institution

August 12, 2026

The Heads of Judiciary of states that subscribe to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has expressed confidence in the court, describing it as a vital regional judicial institution.

The comment follows recent controversy about the CCJ, relating to its president and claims of attempts to influence judicial decisions.

In a joint statement this morning, the Heads of the Judiciary of Barbados, the Bahamas, Belize, Guyana, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago expressed grave concern about the breach of confidentiality that resulted in the disclosure of what appears to be internal communications among judges of the CCJ.

The Heads of the Judiciary said the CCJ occupies a position of profound importance as a regional institution and within the regional judicial architecture.

They noted that the CCJ’s authority like that of all courts, rests upon public confidence in the independence, impartiality, integrity and competence of its judges.

The Heads of Judiciary said they do not consider it appropriate to comment upon the merits of statements or allegations attributed to individual judges, nor upon matters arising within the internal deliberative or administrative processes of the court.

They said they remain confident in the commitment of the CCJ judges to the principles which underpin the administration of justice throughout the Caribbean.

The Heads of Judiciary reaffirmed their commitment to the independence of all regional judiciaries, the institutional integrity of the CCJ, and the enduring importance of maintaining public trust and confidence in the courts of the region