A high-level delegation from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), led by President Winston Anderson, has commenced an official visit to Suriname at the invitation of the country’s Court of Justice President Iwan Rasoelbaks. The delegation, which includes Justice Peter Jamadar, the Registrar, and Chief Marshal, aims to enhance judicial cooperation between regional institutions and national legal systems.
This strategic engagement aligns with the CCJ’s 2025-2032 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes improving access to justice, strengthening regional legal collaboration, promoting transparency, and building public confidence in judicial institutions. During their stay, the delegation will engage with members of Suriname’s judiciary, the Bar Association, parliamentarians, and other key stakeholders.
A highlight of the visit will be the delegation’s participation in the Congress on Modernization of the Judiciary on January 22, where they will elaborate on the CCJ’s role, operational methodologies, effectiveness, institutional framework, and jurisdictional authorities.
The current mission builds upon previous collaborative initiatives between the CCJ and Suriname. In November 2025, the Court concluded a multi-year training program on Referral Procedures in partnership with Suriname’s Bar Association. This comprehensive two-year awareness campaign, partially funded by the European Union, focused on educating legal professionals and business communities about the obligation of national judges to refer questions regarding the interpretation and application of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to the CCJ in its original jurisdiction.
As part of this ongoing cooperation, President Anderson previously presented the CCJ Original Jurisdiction Rules 2024 and accompanying Referral Manual—now translated into Dutch—to Suriname’s former Minister of Justice & Police. The CCJ anticipates constructive dialogues with Surinamese partners and aims through this visit to foster greater understanding of the Court’s role in advancing rule of law, regional integration, and legal excellence throughout the Caribbean region.