Proud moment for family, friends of new CCJ judge

FAMILY AND friends of Madame Justice Chantal Ononaiwu wore bright smiles as she was sworn in as the second Jamaican judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), at King’s House, on Tuesday.

Her mother, Arlene Ononaiwu, said that it was a proud moment. “I am very happy for her. I know that she will perform well. She is a hard worker. She’s committed and she will give of her best,” Mrs Ononaiwu said.

Justice Ononaiwu shared that on her journey to the region’s highest court, she has been blessed to have the unconditional love of remarkable parents, the unwavering support of family and friends and the guidance of trusted mentors.

“I thank God that my husband, Keith Robertson; our children, Kanu and Kenna; my mother, Arlene Ononaiwu; my sister, Colleen; some of my dearest friends and my teacher and mentor, Professor Tracy Robinson, can share this special occasion with me. I’m filled with gratitude that my 92-year-old father, Joseph Ononaiwu, has witnessed this important milestone in my life,” she said.

Justice Ononaiwu noted that her father, brother, in-laws and other family members who could not be in attendance were watching the ceremony online.

Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Michelle Bailey-DaCosta, has been a friend of Justice Ononaiwu since they were both 10 years old and first-form students at Immaculate Conception High School.

“It’s such an incredibly proud moment. I am so proud of Chantal. She’s always been consistent. She’s always been diligent. She’s always been a cut above the rest. This only solidifies her destiny, and I am just proud to be here supporting her,” she said.

Dr Bailey-DaCosta said that she is confident that Justice Ononaiwu will do well.

“She’s a very just person. She’s very kind-hearted and she believes in God. I know her brilliance will shine through, and together with all of those attributes she will make an excellent judge,” she said.

A Rhodes Scholar, Justice Ononaiwu holds a doctor of philosophy in law from the University of Oxford, a master of law from the University of Cambridge and a bachelor of law from The University of the West Indies, as well as a Legal Education Certificate of Merit from the Norman Manley Law School.

She has more than 20 years’ experience at the bar, with specialist expertise in CARICOM law and international law, including international trade law and varied legal experience as an adjudicator, litigator, legal advisor and university lecturer.

Justice Ononaiwu is the third woman to assume the office of judge of the CCJ, after trailblazing jurist, Madame Justice Désirée Bernard, and Madame Justice Maureen Rajnauth-Lee.

“I look forward to serving alongside other women on the bench of our regional court. I hope to inspire other women to serve in the judiciary in the region, as so many illustrious women judges have inspired me,” she shared.

Justice Ononaiwu said the CCJ is an institution of which she is proud, in which she has confidence and to which she will remain committed.