Caribbean Court of Appeal To Be Established by 2002

August 18, 1999 - The much talked about Caribbean Court of Appeal is soon be a reality. Governments of the OECS are moving speedily to implement this legal institution which will cater to the needs of Caribbean peoples.

Just back home from a preparatory meeting to institute measures to embark on a public education and awareness campaign on the functions and operations of such an institution, Attorney General Petros Compton says the Preparatory Committee has been charged with the responsibility for undertaking all the ground work which would set the Caribbean Court of Appeal into motion.

Mr. Compton said while most of the documents pertaining to the establishment of the Court are prepared, the Heads of States are still concerned that the people of the region do not have a full grasp of the Court of Justice before it comes into effect. "One of principal tasks of this committee is to prepare, develop and secure the implementation of a Caribbean wide programme of education for our people on the Court – its functions, its structure and the rationale for the court," Compton said.

The committee took a number of decisions at the Barbados meeting on the best method of successfully carrying out its tasks. Another responsibility of the Preparatory Committee is the preparation of briefs for governments which can be used in Parliament, during Cabinet meetings or when holding discussions with the general public.

The educational campaign will be formally launched in October when Heads of Government of the Caribbean meet for a special conference. In the meantime, some documents will soon be published to be used by the regional media, non governmental organisations and the general public.

Mr. Compton explained that the Caribbean Court of Appeal will be instituted before the year 2002 as it is hoped that the effectiveness of the Education and Awareness Programme will allow a speedy process and decision making before that time.

Barbados’ Attorney General David Simmons heads the Preparatory Committee. Other committee members represent Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts Nevis, Saint Lucia the Caribbean Council of Legal Education.

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