标签： Dominica

PARAMARIBO, SURINAME – In a landmark development for Caribbean judicial cooperation, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has advanced a groundbreaking proposal to establish a specialized Civil Law Chamber specifically designed to accommodate Suriname’s unique legal system. The initiative emerged during a high-level delegation visit from January 20-24, 2026, at the invitation of Suriname’s Court of Justice President, Honourable Mr. Justice Iwan Rasoelbaks.

The centerpiece of the visit was the Congress on Modernizing the Judiciary held at the Torarica Resort on January 22, where CCJ President Honourable Mr. Justice Winston Anderson addressed Surinamese judicial officials, lawmakers, and legal stakeholders. Justice Anderson presented a comprehensive vision for Suriname’s potential integration into the CCJ’s Appellate Jurisdiction, emphasizing that such a move would significantly enhance the nation’s judicial sovereignty while strengthening regional institutions.

The proposed Civil Law Chamber represents an innovative structural adaptation within the CCJ framework. Recognizing that Suriname operates under a civil law tradition – contrasting with the common law systems predominant in most Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states – the chamber would operate with judges specializing in civil law jurisprudence. All proceedings would follow civil law procedures conducted entirely in Dutch, with all legal filings, evidence, and correspondence processed in Suriname’s official language.

The CCJ delegation, which included Justice Peter Jamadar, former CCJ President Sir Dennis Byron, and Registrar Gabrielle Figore-Jones, also conducted a courtesy meeting with Her Excellency Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, President of Suriname. Discussions focused on broader judicial reform initiatives and the CCJ’s supportive role in Suriname’s ongoing modernization efforts.

The Court expressed strong commitment to continuing collaboration with Surinamese authorities, aligning with its foundational mission to promote equitable access to justice, reinforce regional unity, and uphold the rule of law throughout the Caribbean community.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has delivered a compelling address at CAF’s second International Economic Forum in Panama City, challenging Latin American and Caribbean nations to redefine their international standing. Speaking before an assembly of regional leaders, policymakers, and global investors, Holness articulated a vision of regional transformation from perceived vulnerability to recognized global leadership.

The Prime Minister categorically rejected the conventional narrative of regional fragility, asserting that “vulnerability is not destiny.” He positioned the Caribbean not as peripheral to the global system but as fundamental to its stability, sustainability, and future expansion. Holness enumerated the region’s considerable advantages, including strategic geographical positioning, demographic youth, abundant natural resources, agricultural capacity, renewable energy potential, creative industries, and robust democratic frameworks.

To translate these assets into global influence, Holness outlined a tripartite strategic approach: developing a cohesive regional competitiveness agenda focused on connectivity, logistics, energy security, and digital transformation; strengthening institutional frameworks to ensure stability; and pursuing dynamic diplomacy that engages both traditional partners and emerging markets.

Drawing from Jamaica’s recent experience, the Prime Minister highlighted how disciplined fiscal management and institutional reforms enabled rapid recovery from Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm that caused extensive damage. This resilience, he noted, demonstrates the region’s capacity to withstand external shocks when supported by strong governance and international cooperation.

Holness extended specific invitations to investors to explore Jamaica’s expanding opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, energy, manufacturing, tourism, and digital innovation. The Jamaican government, in partnership with CAF, has organized a dedicated Investment Forum to channel resources toward rebuilding efforts and sustainable development.

The overarching message emphasized that the Caribbean’s future as a significant global actor depends on deliberate collective action, regional cohesion, and proactive international engagement rather than passive reaction to global trends.

The United Workers Party (UWP) of Dominica is organizing a significant political gathering termed the ‘National Unity Rally,’ scheduled for February 1, 2026, in the village of Grand Fond. Party Leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine characterized the event as a strategic effort to consolidate member support and outline the party’s forward-looking agenda.

Dr. Fontaine emphasized the rally’s dual purpose: to energize party members for full participation in the ongoing voter confirmation process and to foster greater political engagement in preparation for impending general elections. While the election date remains undetermined, the UWP leadership stresses the critical importance of maintaining campaign readiness.

A central component of the rally will be the formal presentation of the UWP’s comprehensive ’10-Pillar Plan for Shared Prosperity’ – an economic framework addressing multiple national concerns. The plan specifically targets economic revitalization with focused strategies for agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism sectors alongside social development initiatives.

The policy blueprint directly addresses pressing national issues including youth violence mitigation and wage improvement demands. Dr. Fontaine indicated the rally would maintain an optimistic tone, focusing on hopeful messaging and presenting the Dominican public with concrete policy alternatives that differentiate the UWP’s governance approach.

The afternoon event, commencing at 2:00 PM, anticipates attendance from supporters across all constituencies, representing a significant mobilization effort by the opposition party as it positions itself for potential leadership.

The President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Honourable Justice Winston Anderson, has concluded a significant diplomatic mission to Barbados from January 15-20, 2026, marking the third high-level engagement since assuming leadership of the regional judicial body. Accompanied by Registrar and Chief Marshal Mrs. Gabrielle Figaro-Jones, Justice Anderson’s visit featured a prominent keynote address at the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute’s Partners Forum, where he articulated the Caribbean perspective on transnational actions for climate justice accountability.

The visit included strategic meetings with Barbados’ highest leadership, demonstrating the CCJ’s commitment to regional collaboration. Justice Anderson conferred with His Excellency President Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic, Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Chief Justice Leslie Haynes, and Opposition Leader Ralph Thornes, KC. These discussions focused on strengthening judicial cooperation and addressing shared regional challenges.

This diplomatic initiative forms part of the CCJ’s Strategic Plan 2025–2032, which prioritizes enhanced access to justice, expanded regional influence, and strengthened institutional relationships across CARICOM member states. The Barbados engagement follows similar high-level visits to Guyana in October 2025 and Suriname in November 2025, where Justice Anderson met with respective heads of state, judicial leaders, and academic institutions.

The Caribbean Court of Justice continues to advance its mandate as both a regional judicial tribunal and appellate court, working to deepen integration efforts and promote legal harmonization throughout the Caribbean Community. These ongoing diplomatic missions represent a strategic approach to building institutional credibility and reinforcing the CCJ’s role in addressing pressing regional issues, particularly climate justice which disproportionately affects Caribbean nations.

In a significant diplomatic move underscoring regional solidarity, CARICOM Chairman Dr. Terrance Drew is embarking on an official visit to Trinidad and Tobago this week. The distinguished leader, accompanied by CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, will engage in high-level discussions with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her cabinet members.

This strategic visit forms part of Chairman Drew’s concerted initiative to foster direct, in-person dialogue with Caribbean leaders—a cornerstone of his current leadership agenda. The meetings aim to address pressing regional challenges, enhance cooperation frameworks, and strengthen collaborative governance mechanisms across CARICOM member states.

The diplomatic mission follows immediately after similar high-level engagements in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where Dr. Drew and Dr. Barnett met with newly appointed Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday in Kingstown last week. This consecutive scheduling demonstrates CARICOM’s proactive approach to maintaining continuous diplomatic momentum throughout the region.

Observers note that such face-to-face consultations are particularly valuable for coordinating policy responses to shared challenges including climate resilience, economic security, and regional health initiatives. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to influence upcoming CARICOM summit agendas and potentially shape new collaborative initiatives across the Caribbean community.