President of the Caribbean Court of Justice

APPOINTMENT TO THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT

OF THE CARIBBEAN COURT OF JUSTICE 

GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS

1. INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this Guide is to assist persons applying for the position of President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). It is arranged in four parts: 

2. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

All applicants should satisfy the following criteria.

2.1 Article IV.10 of the Agreement Establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice provides:

“A person shall not be qualified to be appointed to hold or to act in the office of Judge of the Court, unless that person satisfies the criteria mentioned in paragraph 11 and:

(a) is or has been for a period or periods amounting in the aggregate to not less than five years, a Judge of a court of unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in the territory of a Contracting Party or in some part of the Commonwealth, or in a State exercising civil law jurisprudence common to Contracting Parties, or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court and who, in the opinion of the Commission, has distinguished himself or herself in that office;

or

(b) is or has been engaged in the practice or teaching of law for a period or periods amounting in the aggregate to not less than fifteen years in a Member State of the Caribbean Community or in a Contracting Party or in some part of the Commonwealth, or in a State exercising civil law jurisprudence common to Contracting Parties, has distinguished himself or herself in the legal profession.”

Article IV.11 provides:

“In making appointments to the office of Judge, regard shall be had to the following criteria: high moral character, intellectual and analytical ability, sound judgment, integrity, and understanding of people and society.”

3.  THE APPOINTMENT PROCEDURE

3.1 Interviews

The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission may require an applicant to attend an interview in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago or virtually.

3.2 Appointment

Based on a majority vote of all the members, the Commission will submit its recommendation for appointment to the Heads of Contracting Parties in accordance with Article IV (9) of the Agreement Establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice. The Heads of Contracting Parties will make the appointment as required by the Agreement.

3.3 Confidentiality

The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission will treat all applications and supporting information as confidential.

3.4 Consultation

The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission may, prior to appointment to the position, consult with associations representative of the legal profession and with other bodies and individuals that it considers appropriate in selecting a Judge of the Court in addition to the Referees identified.

4.  MAKING AN APPLICATION

4.1 Obtaining the Application Form

The Application Form for the position of Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice can be downloaded using the link provided.                                                                   

4.2 Delivery of the Application Form

It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is submitted on or before Monday 16th September 2024 by 4:00 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time the deadline fixed for the making of applications.

In lieu of submitting Application Materials by uploading same using the method indicated at the bottom of the form to the right of this page, Applicants may download, complete, sign, scan and submit same electronically along with a covering letter and any other supporting documents by clicking on apply now .  Applications should be addressed to “The Secretary, Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission, 134 Henry Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.”

4.3 Acknowledgement of an Application

You will receive an acknowledgement via electronic mail from the Secretariat of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission. If you have not received an acknowledgement you should contact the Secretariat of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission at 1 (868) 623-8376.

4.4 Completing the Form

Your application should be typed or completed clearly in black ink, with any additional information attached.  Please ensure that you sign and date the application form. An unsigned Application Form will not be considered.

4.5 Your Address

Please indicate clearly the address (including your email address) to which you wish correspondence to be sent.  Please immediately notify the Secretary of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission of any changes to the information supplied under this heading.

4.6 Names of Referees

The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission invites you to provide the names and professional addresses of not less than 3 persons of whom 2 shall be members of the judiciary and/or the legal profession but excluding sitting Judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice, whom you consider will be able to comment upon your qualities and experience. 

The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission may write to the persons named on your application form.  The members of the judiciary or legal profession whom you name should be persons who are familiar with your work and character, and therefore able to comment having regard to the criteria mentioned in paragraph 3.

4.7 Medical Examination

Applicants should be aware that any offer of appointment will be made subject to a medical report acceptable to the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission. 

4.8 Due Diligence

Applicants should be aware that any offer of appointment will be made subject to an acceptable Due Diligence Report to the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission.  If you are aware of any issue which might adversely affect your appointment to this judicial office, this must be clearly identified on your application.

4.9 Contact Information

All communication and enquiries in relation to your application should be directed to the Secretary of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission.