Announcement Archives - Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commision

Statement by the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission

H H — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC/Commission) has noted the headline and related report published by the Daily Express concerning its statement dated 10th August 2026.

The headline announces that the “RJLSC orders [a] CCJ review” and the byline states that the Commission, “acknowledges serious allegations against President Anderson by the majority of fellow judges”.

Those assertions do not accurately reflect the Commission’s statement.

The RJLSC’s statement acknowledged that allegations concerning the administration of the Caribbean Court of Justice and the independence of its Judges had entered the public domain. It did not confirm the truth of those allegations, attribute them to any particular Judge or group of Judges or make any finding against the President of the Court.

On the contrary, the Commission expressly stated that no conclusions should be drawn until the allegations have been examined fairly and objectively. The RJLSC also did not state that it had “ordered” a review. It stated that the concerns relating to the Court are best addressed through the established internal governance mechanisms of the Court and the Commission and through a transparent and independent review undertaken in the best interests of the Region.

The RJLSC therefore asks that the headline, subheading and any passages suggesting that the Commission confirmed the allegations or ordered a review be corrected promptly to accurately reflect the terms of its statement of 10 August 2026.

Given the inaccuracies in the article and for the avoidance of doubt and further misrepresentation, that full statement is linked here, and remains available on the RJLSC’s homepage of its website (www.rjlsc.org)

The Commission assures stakeholders that it continues to take all necessary actions within its remit, in accordance with its constitutive instruments, governance policies and procedures. Further updates will be made through official statements and the RJLSC website.

The RJLSC looks forward to continued relationships with all its stakeholders, especially the regional media who play a major role in keeping the people of this region accurately informed.

All statements of the RJLSC on this matter are issued by decision of the Commission under the chairmanship of its Deputy Chair (exclusive of the Chairman), and through the conduit of its Secretariat.

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Access the full media release here

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Statement by the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission

Simone Jackson — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:37 +0000

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC/Commission) is aware of the recent allegations concerning the administration of the Caribbean Court of Justice (Court) and the independence of its Judges. The Commission recognises the seriousness of these matters and the importance of addressing them in a manner that protects public trust and confidence in the Court and the broader administration of justice throughout the Caribbean. As a result, the RJLSC believes that these concerns are best addressed through the established internal governance mechanisms of the Court and the Commission, and through a transparent and independent review undertaken in the best interest of the Region.

Established on 23 July 2003, the Commission is an independent, non-political body constituted under the Agreement Establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice. It brings together distinguished legal professionals, public service leaders, and civil society representatives from across the Caribbean to serve as Commissioners*. The Commission comprises a diverse membership with decades of expertise and a shared commitment to integrity, transparency, and excellence in judicial governance and institutional oversight.

The Commission is responsible for the appointment of the Judges and staff of the Caribbean Court of Justice, sets their work terms, allowances, oversees disciplinary action and protects the court from political interference. The Commission maintains an “open door policy” for all members of staff and Judges, to address concerns and seek resolution on any matter relating to the execution of their functions and overall wellbeing.

In the twenty-three years since the establishment of the Commission, the RJLSC has enjoyed fruitful working relationships with the Court. In these two decades, Commissioners have operated independently, without interference or influence – neither from the Court nor external actors.

The Commissioners remain confident in this storied history of autonomy enjoyed under the leadership of all of the Court’s Presidents as Chairs of the Commission, past and present. At the same time, it emphasises that no conclusions should be drawn about the allegations until they have been examined fairly and objectively. The RJLSC remains committed to continuing its independent operations and service to Member States for years to come.

Members of the public are encouraged to learn more about the Commission’s history, roles, functions and Commissioners by visiting www/ https://rjlsc.org/.

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Access the full media release here: Statement by the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission

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RJLSC Retirement Tribute

Mitra Sinanan — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:29:22 +0000

Mrs. Jacqueline Samuels-Brown, CD, KC, NP & Dr. Damien Dublin

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RJLSC welcomes two new Commissioners at a pivotal moment for Regional Judicial Development

Simone Jackson — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:55:04 +0000

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC/Commission), in accordance with its responsibilities under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, has filled its complement of Commissioners with the swearing in of two distinguished professionals, Ms. Elleson M. Fraenk, of Suriname and Mr. Anthony A. Olton, JP, of Barbados. The oath of office was administered on 11 March 2026, marking an important moment in the RJLSC’s ongoing work to support excellence in judicial governance across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Ms. Fraenk and Mr. Olton join the Commission at a time when regional judicial institutions continue to evolve to meet the demands of modern governance. Their appointments reflect the CARICOM’s commitment to ensuring that experienced individuals whose professional insight and regional awareness strengthen the administration of justice within the region.

Access the full media release here: New RJLSC Commissioners

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Swearing-In of CARICOM Competition Commission (CCC) Commissioners

Simone Jackson — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:42:41 +0000

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC/Commission) is pleased to announce that, prior to the commencement of its official meeting on 13 March 2026, the Chairman of the Commission, the Honourable Mr Justice Winston Anderson, administered the Oath of Office to three new members of the CARICOM Competition Commission (CCC).

In accordance with its responsibilities under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the RJLSC formally swore in the following Commissioners:

Mr David Miller
Ms Ayiesha De Coteau Sammy
Mr Joel Allen

Access the full media release here: New CCC Commissioners

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Mr Justice Arif Bulkan to join the CCJ Bench

Simone Jackson — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:06:36 +0000

Mr Justice Arif Bulkan, a national of Guyana, has been selected by the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission to join the CCJ as a Judge. He will fill the vacancy created by the elevation of the Honourable Mr Justice Winston Anderson to the presidency of the Court on 4 July 2025.

During the recruitment process, the Commission received approximately 26 applications from Australia, Barbados, Canada, Cameroon, Fiji, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saint Lucia, Sri Lanka, The United States of America, and Trinidad and Tobago. Of the applications received, five candidates, three males and two females, were shortlisted for further consideration and subsequently interviewed and the successful applicant appointed. The Commission remains committed to maintaining a process that is fair, transparent, and impartial.

Access the full media release here: Media release 25_2025

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RJLSC Congratulates the new CCJ President-Designate

H H — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 13:53:30 +0000

The Regional and Legal Services Commission (RLJSC) extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Honourable Mr Justice Anderson on his selection as the incoming President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) during the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM recently held in Barbados from 19th – 21st February 2025.

The RJLSC is confident that under his leadership, the CCJ will continue to adhere to its mission of providing accessible, fair and efficient justice for the people and States of CARICOM.

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