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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Ms. Elleson Fraenk

Simone Jackson — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:51:05 +0000

Nominated jointly by the Dean of the Faculty of Law of the University of the West Indies, Deans of the Faculties of Law of the Contracting Parties and Chairman of the Council of Legal Education – Suriname [Article V.1 (f)].

Ms. Elleson M. Fraenk is a Surinamese Attorney-at-Law and legal professional focused on corporate law, intellectual property law, and labour law. She is the Founder and Director of Vision Legalis Advocaten N.V., a law firm established in 2018, where she provides legal advice and representation to individuals, organisations, and companies across a wide range of legal matters, including corporate structuring, contract drafting, intellectual property protection, and regulatory compliance.

Ms. Fraenk also serves as an Attorney Trainer at the Centrum voor Democratie en Rechtspleging, where she delivers professional training for attorneys in intellectual property law, labour law, and corporate law. She previously practised at Schurman Advocaten, where she served as an Attorney-at-Law and Intellectual Property Practitioner. She is currently President of the Suriname Bar Association (Deken van de Surinaamse Orde van Advocaten) and serves as Honorary Consul to the Kingdom of Sweden in Suriname. She is also a member of the International Trademark Association and the Intellectual Property Caribbean Association, and contributes to several professional committees and legal initiatives.

Ms. Fraenk has been actively involved in a number of governance and civil society organisations, including serving as Secretary of the Foundation for Asset Management of the Moravian Church Suriname, and as a Board Member of Stichting Medische Zending Primary Healthcare Suriname. She is also a member of the Rotary Club of Paramaribo Residence and participates in initiatives that support professional development and women’s leadership.

She holds a Law Degree from Anton de Kom University of Suriname and completed additional studies in International and Comparative Law at the FHR Institute for Social Studies. She also participated in specialised legal training at Leiden University and completed a legal internship at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights of the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C.

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Mr. Anthony Olton JP

Simone Jackson — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:33:23 +0000

Chairman, Public Service Commission of a Contracting Party selected in the reverse English alphabetical order – Barbados [Article V.1 (d)].

Mr. Anthony A. Olton JP, is a Barbadian leadership consultant and governance professional. He is the Principal Consultant of The Potter Centre, established in 1998, and Founder and Chair of the Caribbean Institute for Social and Emotional Learning.

He holds a Graduate Diploma in the Psychology of Work from the University of Leicester and an Executive Diploma in Management from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill. He is a Certified ILM Level 7 Executive Coach and a Certified PROSCI Change Management Practitioner and holds several other professional certifications in leadership, coaching, and organisational development.

Mr. Olton currently serves as Chair of the Administrative, General and Professional Service Commission of Barbados. He also serves as a member of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission of Barbados and the Commissions Board of the Barbados Defence Force, and as Deputy Chair of the Barbados Accreditation Council. He is a former Reserve Officer of the Barbados Defence Force.

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Mrs. Lesley-Ann Lucky-Samaroo SC

Simone Jackson — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:56:41 +0000

Nominated jointly by OCCBA & OECS Bar Associations – Trinidad and Tobago [Article V.1 (b)].

Mrs. Lesley-Ann Lucky-Samaroo, S.C., is a Senior Counsel of Trinidad and Tobago with over 35 years’ experience in commercial, corporate and civil litigation, family and matrimonial law, labour and trade disputes, medical negligence litigation, revenue law, and advisory work for private and state institutions.

She was admitted to practice in Trinidad and Tobago in 1985, following the completion of her LL.B (Hons.) at The University of the West Indies and the Legal Education Certificate from Hugh Wooding Law School. She has acted as legal advisor to major companies and state entities, and has appeared in high-value arbitration and appellate litigation, including matters before the Caribbean Court of Justice and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

Mrs. Lucky-Samaroo is the former Chairman of the Standing Negotiating Committee on Air Services Agreements on behalf of Trinidad and Tobago and previously served as a Board Member of the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission, where she was the first woman appointed to the Board. She has also served on the Council of the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago, the Chief Justice’s Rules Committee and the Family Proceedings Rules Committee, and currently serves as Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Family Law Association. She was appointed Senior Counsel in May 2023.

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Mr. Justin Simon KC

Simone Jackson — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 08:53:58 +0000

Nominated jointly by OCCBA & OECS Bar Associations – Antigua and Barbuda [Article V.1 (b)].

Mr. Justin Lockhart Simon, KC, is the Senior Partner at Simon Rogers Murdoch, Chancellor Chambers, Antigua. He studied at St. Mary’s Academy, Dominica, before completing his LL.B. (Hons.) at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, his Certificate of Legal Education at the Sir Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad, and an LL.M. at University College London.

He began practice in 1975 at the Chambers of Louis H. Lockhart, Esq., later becoming a partner at Lockhart & Simon, and founding Simon & Associates in 1984. Since 2002, he has led Simon Rogers Murdoch as Senior Partner. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2014. From 2004 to 2014, he served as Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda.

Mr. Simon’s practice covers corporate, banking, employment, real property, administrative and constitutional law, revenue law, and civil litigation. He has appeared successfully before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council and has been called to the Bar in Anguilla, Dominica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

He has also served as Treasurer of the OECS Bar Association, Company Secretary of LIAT (1974) Ltd., and President of the Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association, where he oversaw the drafting of its Constitution. He was Secretary to the National Recovery Task Force after Hurricane Luis in 1995 and was appointed Senator of Junior Chamber International (JCI) in 1992. In 2018, he campaigned for Antigua and Barbuda’s accession to the appellate jurisdiction of the CCJ.

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Her Ladyship, the Hon. Justice Margaret Price-Findlay

Simone Jackson — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 07:33:33 +0000

Chairman, Judicial Services Commission – St. Kitts and Nevis [Article V.1 (c)].

Her Ladyship, the Hon. Justice Margaret Alison Price-Findlay obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree with honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados. She thereafter attended the Hugh Wooding Law School and received the Legal Education Certificate upon completion of her studies in 1987. Later that year, Justice Price Findlay was called to the Bar of Trinidad and Tobago.

Justice Price Findlay began her legal career as an Associate in the Law Firm of James Brathwaite from 1987-1988. Between 1988 and 1990, she was an Associate in the Chambers of Clarke and Company; between 1991 and 1994, she held the position of Associate in the Chambers of McW Todman and Company in the Territory of the Virgin Islands. In 1995, she founded her private legal practice in the Virgin Islands, which expanded into a law firm with other notable partners and associates. Justice Price Findlay served as managing partner in her firm until she was appointed to act as a High Court Judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court assigned to Anguilla from February to May 2009.

In September 2009, Justice Price Findlay was appointed a High Court Judge assigned to Grenada. From 1^st September 2015 to August 2022, she was assigned to Saint Lucia and served as a judge of the Criminal Division of the High Court. On 1^st September 2022, Justice Price Findlay was elevated to the Court of Appeal Bench. Justice Price Findlay brings extensive experience to the role, including an invaluable understanding of the trial and appellate jurisdictions. She also acted as a Judge of the Court of Appeal on numerous occasions prior to her full-time appointment. Justice Price Findlay is also a trained mediator, bringing a wealth of experience in dispute resolution to her judicial responsibilities.

In May 2025, Justice Price Findlay was appointed to act as Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

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