CARIBBEAN COURT OF JUSTICE (CCJ): CARIBBEAN INTEGRATION OR DISINTEGRATION?

“…….As Prime Minister at that time, this was the perspective in which the Government of Jamaica saw the proposed regional court. We did not view it with disfavour, provided a mechanism could be devised to ensure that Judges would be so appointed as to be entirely free of political connections to ensure that their independence would not be in question.” “ I expressed this view as Prime Minister at that time and, had conditions not changed drastically, I would perhaps have held the same view today. However, times have changed, indeed, drastically so……….” “…….The economic climate of 15 years ago, no longer prevails. There was certainty and predictability, robust economic growth, relatively stable social conditions in which crime was not of epidemic proportions and the justice system worked. Today, each of these conditions have now been reversed. The economy is out of control; the society has been destabilized by fear and the criminal justice system has broken down.” Most Honorable Edward Seaga, Leader of The Opposition, speaking in CCJ Debate, Parliament, May 2003