St Lucia, February 26, 2024: The subject of the Original Jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice was the most poignant topic at the second in the Power Breakfast Series of the St.Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture. Held in collaboration with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), and sponsored by Bank of Saint Lucia, the event was rated as successful and of a high standard by attendees in their evaluation of the Power Breakfast. Held at the Palmville Conference Room, Coco Palm, on Tuesday, February 29th, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. a small but attentive group were educated and informed about the original jurisdiction of the CCJ and the private sector.
The session aimed to deepen awareness and understanding of the CCJ's Original Jurisdiction in the business community. The event featured esteemed speakers including The Honorable Mr. Justice Peter Jamadar, Judge and Chair of the Caribbean Association for Judicial Officers, and Dr. Jan Yves Remy, Director of the Sir Shridath Ramphal Centre, University of the West Indies, CAVE Hill Campus.
By use of practical illustrations Honorable Mr. Justice Peter Jamadar was able to explain and demonstrate the way the CCJ works with and for the business community to resolve trade and other disputes that arose out of the operations of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. Additionally, Justice Jamadar elucidated on the meaning and implications of the rights provided for under the CSME and how these refer to both individuals and cooperate bodies.
By way of explanation the Honourable Justice Jamadar took time to point out the unique nature of the CCJ as two courts in one, in that it was the final appellate Court for some CARICOM States that had moved away from the Privy Council and the CCJ was also as acourt with compulsory and exclusive jurisdiction to interpret and apply the rules set out in the Revised Treaty of Chagaramus and to decide disputes arising under it.
Dr Jan Yves Remy, during her presentation went to great lengths to explain and demonstrate the various key rights granted to CARICOM persons under the CSME, noting that CSME was not as deep a regional integration endeavor as the OECS Agreement, (Treaty of Basterre) and as such, individuals and businesses in countries like St. Lucia should be aware of the opportunities and rights these arrangements offered. Her presentation underscored the need for St. Lucia Business to invest time in understanding and informing themselves about the OECS and CSME Arrangements that seek to expand the markets and provide a larger economic space for businesses to operate in.
The interactive segment of the Power Breakfast saw numerous questions asked and answered by the two presenters. The event attracted a diverse audience from various sectors, and continued the crucial effort of business education and upskilling of members that the Chamber provides. This venture, a collaborative one between the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, and the Caribbean Court of Justice as they both seek to enhance awareness, knowledge, and engagement on the legal mechanisms that underpin regional integration and economic development.