In an unprecedented legal academic achievement, Suriname’s Anton de Kom University (AdeKUS) has made history by capturing all major awards at the 16th CCJ International Law Moot Court Competition held in Trinidad and Tobago. The university’s delegation, representing the fictional nation of ‘Domineeka,’ achieved a clean sweep against Jamaica’s Norman Manley Law School in Friday’s championship round.
The victory culminates months of intensive preparation where students honed both written and oral advocacy skills, focusing particularly on legal depth and performance under pressure. According to competition organizers, this meticulous preparation was evident throughout the final proceedings.
AdeKUS secured every major honor available: Best Oralist, Best Written Submission, and Best Team during the mooting sessions. Additionally, the institution received the prestigious Best Academic Institution Award and was crowned Overall Winner of the competition, earning the coveted Challenge Shield. This remarkable achievement marks the first time a non-English speaking team has captured this combination of awards in the competition’s history.
The simulated case centered on a Caricom Single Market and Economy entrepreneur establishing operations in Dominica, addressing complex issues surrounding immigration, residency rights, and alleged discrimination against family members. The case ultimately proceeded to the Caribbean Court of Justice with claims of violated Caricom rights.
The winning team comprised Deldritha Afie (Senior Counsel), Rashly Resida (Junior Counsel), and Reshaya Ramadhin (Researcher), guided by legal professionals Shaiesta Nabibaks as Team Advisor and Nailah Van Dijk as Technical Advisor. The panel specifically praised the team’s profound understanding of Caricom and international law, exceptional written submissions, and compelling courtroom advocacy.
The CCJ Moot Court stands as one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious legal competitions. This landmark victory not only solidifies AdeKUS’s regional standing but also represents a significant national accomplishment for Suriname’s legal education system.