Today in Jamaica, Mr. Justice Adrian Saunders officially took over leadership of the Caribbean Court of Justice, which is the highest court in Belize.
Taking over from Sir Dennis Byron, Saunders becomes the 3rd president of the court.
Belize's Prime Minister Dean Barrow - whose had his difference with the CCJ - praised the court and its new president at the swearing in which was held today as part of the activities of the 39th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government at the Montego Bay Convention Centre:
Rt. Hon. Sir Dennis Byron - Outgoing President, CCJ
"I have the privilege, honour and pleasure of passing on the presidency of the Caribbean Court of Justice to the Hon. Justice Adrian Saunders. As he becomes the 3rd president of the Caribbean Court of Justice. I received the symbolic baton just about 7 years ago from the Hon. Justice Michael de la Bastide the first president of the Caribbean Court of Justice. I believe that I'm handing over the institution that has been serving the needs of the Caribbean people well. In both its original jurisdiction and the final appellate court to replace the privy council in those countries that have exceeded to that jurisdictions."
And here's what the Outgoing President and incoming president had to say to the distinguished guests in the judiciary, and the CARICOM Heads of Government:
Hon. Justice Adrian Saunders - New President, CCJ
"As I take up the responsibilities of the president of the CCJ, I consider myself to be exceptionally fortunate. I've been proceeded in that office by 2 outstanding Caribbean jurists and I will was privileged to have enjoyed a close collegial relationship with both of them. Each in his own way Justice de la Bastide and Sir. Dennis Byron has contributed to the solid platform upon which the court now rests. I express my profound gratitude to them for their service and in particular to Sir Dennis for his mentorship over several years and his friendship and guidance. I'm only too well aware of the fact that I'm the first president of the CCJ who has received legal training entirely in the Caribbean. This is a circumstance that signals the growing maturity of the court as it marches forward as another Caribbean institution forging its own destiny, catering specifically to the imperatives of our region, guided by our own unique insights."
We'll have more coverage of the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting tomorrow.
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