Embrace the CCJ

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Jamaica not making the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) its final court of appeal is arguably the strongest disrespect, degrading and distrust of local and regional judges and, by extension, local and regional courts.

Stubbornly retaining the Privy Council (PC) as Jamaica’s final court is in essence similar to, hypothetically, commissioner of police, chief justice, commissioner general of Tax Administration Jamaica and of the governor of the Bank of Jamaica collectively, resided in and presided over from London. Both constitutionally and geographically, the latter would be highly irrational, inappropriate and irresponsible.

Moreover, and disappointingly, the Government not making the CCJ constitutionally Jamaica’s final court and continuing to retain the UK Privy Council concretises the false eurocentric notion that white judges from Europe are more capable and qualified to preside over and dispense justice than black/coloured judges from Caribbean countries.

It’s time for Jamaica to let go of the UKPC and embrace the CCJ.

PATRICK GALLIMORE

pagalley@protonmail.com