Justice Winston Anderson sworn-in as 4th President of the Caribbean Court of Justice

Jamaican jurist, Justice Winston Anderson, was on Sunday sworn-in as the fourth President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), during the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, in Montego Bay.

Jamaica's Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, presided at the ceremony, held at Jewel Grande Resort.

He said that the Jamaican brings to the office a distinguished record of scholarship, integrity and unwavering commitment to the ideals of justice.

“His appointment is not only a personal triumph, but also a resounding testament to our regional confidence in our own talents, values and ability to lead on the world stage,” the Governor-General said, wishing the new CCJ President strength and success as he assumes the role.

Justice Anderson hails from St. Ann and holds degrees from the University of the West Indies (UWI) and Cambridge University in England.

He served as a law lecturer and General Counsel to CARICOM prior to his appointment to the CCJ in 2010. Over the years, he has been instrumental in shaping regional jurisprudence and strengthening the Court’s role in the Caribbean legal landscape.

CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, in her remarks, expressed confidence in Justice Anderson’s leadership, noting that with the wealth of experience he brings “the presidency is in knowledgeable and capable hands.”

Justice Anderson, in his response, reflected on his journey and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as CCJ President, noting that he accepted the post with “humility and preparedness to serve.”

He acknowledged the foundational work of his predecessors, highlighting that “President Michael de la Bastide laid the foundation... President Sir Dennis Barron brought the technological revolution to the court… My immediate predecessor, President Adrian Saunders, furthered that mission by providing excellent and outstanding leadership.”

PM's support

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in his remarks, congratulated Justice Anderson on his appointment, hailing his distinguished legal career and describing him as a legal luminary whose scholarship and jurisprudence have strengthened the region's rule of law.

Dr. Holness reaffirmed Jamaica's full support for regional legal cooperation and spoke of the importance of the CCJ in advancing access to justice.