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CCJ conference unveils blueprint for Caribbean justice reform
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Academy for Law closed out its 20th Anniversary celebrations last week with its largest conference yet, drawing more than 400 regional and international participants to Port of Spain for three days of high-level debate on the future of Caribbean justice.
Hosted from 26–28 November 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, the 8th Biennial Conference, themed “The CCJ at 20: Reflections on Caribbean Jurisprudence”, delivered a clear message: Caribbean law is entering a new era, and the region is ready to define it.
Justice Winston Anderson, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice
Opening the Conference, Justice Winston Anderson, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and Chair of the Academy, urged participants to seize the moment created by the Court’s 20-year milestone, a statement by the CCJ said. He noted that the anniversary called for deep reflection on “the strides made, the progress achieved, and the paradigm shifts inspired by the region’s apex court” while also charting a forward-looking agenda. Justice Anderson also paid tribute to the late Mr Justice Wit, whose pioneering scholarship helped shape modern Caribbean jurisprudence.
CARICOM General Counsel Lisa Shoman, SC reinforced that message, stressing that political independence places a responsibility on Caribbean legal practitioners to craft a jurisprudence rooted in the region’s culture, socio-economic realities and integration goals.
The Opening Ceremony also featured strong endorsements from major development partners.
EU Ambassador Cécile Tassin reaffirmed Europe’s long-standing support for strengthening Caribbean justice systems, describing effective courts as essential for “democratic governance, human rights, citizen security and sustainable development.”
IDB Caribbean General Manager Anton Edmunds hailed the CCJ’s 20-year journey as a regional milestone, praising the Court’s unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and accessibility.
CDB Vice-President Dr Isaac Solomon saluted the CCJ and the Academy for championing the rule of law and urged deeper regional cooperation toward a people-centred, technology-enabled justice ecosystem. A highlight of the ceremony was the launch of “Caribbean Court of Justice: Striving for Excellence – 20 Years of Evolving Justice,” a commemorative publication showcasing landmark CCJ decisions and scholarly reflections from leading regional jurists.
The Conference also marked a major leadership transition. Hon. Mme Justice Ononaiwu was appointed Chair of the CCJ Academy for Law, while Hon. Mme Justice Mira Dean-Armorer was named Deputy Chair, appointments warmly welcomed by attendees.
Port of Spain Declaration
The Conference culminated in the adoption of the Port of Spain Declaration on the Development of Caribbean Jurisprudence, a forward-looking blueprint calling for targeted legislative convergence across the region while respecting legal diversity. Participants urged:
- Protection of fundamental rights and constitutional freedoms
- Review of outdated savings law clauses
- Stronger public education on constitutional issues
- Continued implementation of the Needham’s Point Declaration on Criminal Justice Reform
- Development of a regional digital dashboard to track justice-sector progress
Participants also highlighted key priority areas for Caribbean courts, including:
- Greater judicial sensitivity to evolving family structures
- Modernisation of estate and probate law
- Environmental justice and sustainable development
- Recognition and protection of intellectual property
- Enforcement of CARICOM free-movement rights
- Integration of ethical, culturally grounded technology in justice delivery
The Declaration acknowledges the vital role of legislatures, CARICOM, academia and the media in shaping Caribbean jurisprudence. It will be published on the CCJ Academy for Law’s website.
The next Biennial Conference is expected to be held in November 2027.
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