By Sue-Ann Wayow

THE Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has a new president.

Justice Winston Anderson was sworn in as the fourth President of CCJ in Montego Bay, Jamaica by Governor-General of Jamaica Sir Partick Allen on Sunday.

He replaces Justice Adrian Saunders who was also in attendance at the swearing-in ceremony.

The ceremony was held ahead of the opening of the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Anderson, a national of Jamaica and the first Jamaican to be appointed to the CCJ bench said, ‘As I assume the office of President of the Court, I do so not in isolation, but as part of a broader regional movement of national judiciaries dedicated to delivering accessible justice, ensuring respect for and advancing the rule of law, protecting and promoting human rights, and supporting sustainable development in our countries.’

Anderson was appointed a CCJ judge in 2010, a media release from the CCJ stated.

Prior to joining the Court, he served as a lecturer at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill from 1988 until 2003 serving as Deputy Dean, Head of the Teaching Department of Law and UWI Senior Lecturer in Law.

He has also served as General Counsel of CARICOM on secondment from the UWI.

Speaking of the role of the CCJ President, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett said the Office of the President carries not only the highest responsibility within the judicial system, but also embodies the trust and confidence of the people.

She said, “It is a role that calls for wisdom in judgment, integrity in conduct and leadership in times of challenge and change. The CCJ President not only presides over judgments, but also shapes the tone, integrity, and institutional strength of the Court itself.

“This leadership will be crucial as we navigate complex legal issues in an era defined by technological change, social transformation, and global interconnectedness.”

Anderson will serve as president for no longer than the statutory period of seven years.

Speaking about Anderson at the event, Saunders stated, ‘Throughout his time at the CCJ, Mr Justice Anderson fully demonstrated that he is an extremely hard-working and dynamic judge.

Prime Minister of Jamaica Dr Andrew Holness also congratulated Anderson on  his new role.

To Anderson, he said, “Your appointment is a moment of pride not only for Jamaica but for the entire region. You bring to this office a distinguished legal mind, profound commitment to Caribbean Jurisprudence, and decades of service grounded in scholarship and vision.”