St. Lucia: Parliament approves move to make Caribbean Court of Justice its final court

The St. Lucia Parliament has approved the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as its final and highest court, replacing the London-based Privy Council. All 13 government legislators present voted in support of the motion, surpassing the required three-fourths special majority. Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet did not participate in the CCJ debate, having walked out earlier during another debate.

Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre expressed his intent to write to the British government, updating them on St. Lucia’s move towards the CCJ, in accordance with the agreement made during the island-nation’s political independence 44 years ago.

Former Prime Minister Kenny Anthony, who drafted the CCJ legislation, dismissed calls for a referendum, stating that the St. Lucia Constitution does not require one before acceding to the CCJ.

The move makes St. Lucia the fifth Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to adopt the CCJ as its final court, following Barbados, Belize, Guyana, and Dominica. All 15 CARICOM countries have also signed on to the original jurisdiction of the CCJ, serving as an international tribunal interpreting the Treaty of Chaguaramas governing regional integration.