Caribbean News Now
by Global News Staff
Grenada — Grenada Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, having criticised the Jamaica government for considering its own final appellate court rather than joining the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), said that Grenada will soon take steps to adopt the regional court.
The CCJ started to hear appeals in April 2005, but so far only three countries, Guyana, Barbados and Belize, have accepted the CCJ as the final court.
Meanwhile, according to reliable sources, the lone female judge on the Court, Desiree Bernard, who reaches retirement age on March 2, has been given a three-year extension.
President of the Court, Michael de la Bastide, goes into retirement in May and it is understood that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) heads of government will name his successor when they meet on February 25 and 26 in Grenada.
The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission has reportedly shortlisted three candidates for the top position.