KINGSTON, Jamaica — Chief Justice Bryan Sykes has called for a deeper appreciation of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as a vital institution for regional sovereignty and economic integration. Speaking at a workshop held at the Jamaica Pegasus on Saturday, Sykes outlined the CCJ’s transformative potential in shaping the Caribbean’s legal and economic framework.
Sykes pointed to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) as a blueprint for regional progress, asserting that the CCJ’s original jurisdiction is indispensable for the effective operation of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME). “The CCJ is more than a court; it is an enabler of the Caribbean’s collective ambition to build a society rooted in self-determination and economic empowerment,” he said.
While Jamaica continues to rely on the UK-based Privy Council as its final appellate court, the question of fully embracing the CCJ remains central to the nation’s constitutional reform debate. The shift away from the Privy Council is seen by many as symbolic of Jamaica’s broader move toward republicanism and detachment from its colonial past.
Sykes emphasized that the RTC’s first 22 articles reflect a bold effort to establish a new Caribbean identity, free from the shadows of colonialism and slavery. He described the treaty as a foundation for “a new Caribbean civilization” that prioritizes economic development, regional cooperation, and autonomy. “Through its rulings, the CCJ helps ensure the consistent application of these principles, serving as a unifying force across member states,” he added.
The Chief Justice also highlighted Jamaica’s unique position in having two distinct final appellate courts: the Privy Council for general matters and the CCJ for cases under the RTC. This arrangement, while functional, underscores the urgency of resolving debates surrounding Jamaica’s judicial future.
As constitutional reform continues to dominate national discourse, Sykes’s remarks serve as a powerful reminder of the CCJ’s potential to redefine the Caribbean’s approach to governance, justice, and economic integration. The conversation about the CCJ is not just about courts, he stressed—it’s about charting a new course for Jamaica and the wider region.
