PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago – The Caribbean Court of Justice Academy for Law concluded its record-breaking 8th Biennial Conference on November 28, 2025, with the adoption of the groundbreaking Port of Spain Declaration – a comprehensive framework for advancing Caribbean jurisprudence. Held at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad under the theme ‘The CCJ at 20: Reflections on Caribbean Jurisprudence,’ the event attracted over 400 judicial officers, legal experts, academics, and civil society representatives from across the region, marking the largest gathering in the Academy’s history.
The conference commenced with opening remarks from Honourable Mr Justice Winston Anderson, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice and Chair of the CCJ Academy for Law, who reflected on two decades of judicial evolution. ‘This conference invites us to reflect on the strides made, the progress achieved, and the paradigm shifts inspired by the region’s apex court,’ Justice Anderson stated. He simultaneously honored the legacy of former CCJ Judge Mr Justice Wit, recognizing his profound contributions to shaping modern Caribbean jurisprudence.
Ms Lisa Shoman, SC, General Counsel of the CARICOM Secretariat, emphasized the critical importance of developing a distinct Caribbean legal identity. ‘Political independence compels us to shape our own legal landscape,’ she asserted, ‘forging a jurisprudence that reflects our unique culture, social realities, and supports our regional integration process.’
International development partners demonstrated strong support for Caribbean judicial institutions. Her Excellency Cécile Tassin, EU Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, highlighted Europe’s 15-year partnership with the CCJ, noting that ‘supporting justice institutions is essential for democratic governance, human rights protection, and sustainable development.’ Similar endorsements came from the Inter-American Development Bank and Caribbean Development Bank, with the latter encouraging development of ‘a justice ecosystem that is technologically-enabled and people-centred.’
The conference featured significant leadership transitions within the Academy, with Honourable Mme Justice Ononaiwu appointed as new Chair and Honourable Mme Justice Mira Dean-Armorer as Deputy Chair. The opening ceremony also showcased the launch of ‘Caribbean Court of Justice: Striving for Excellence – 20 Years of Evolving Justice,’ a commemorative publication analyzing landmark CCJ decisions.
The Port of Spain Declaration emerged as the conference’s centerpiece achievement, advocating for legislative convergence while respecting regional legal diversity. The declaration calls for enhanced constitutional education, modernization of estate practices, protection of environmental justice, and greater enforcement of CARICOM nationals’ rights under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. It specifically encourages ethical technology integration within judicial systems and recognizes the vital role of legislatures, academia, and media in juridical development.
The Declaration will be publicly available on the CCJ Academy’s website, with the next conference anticipated for November 2027.