THE CARIBBEAN COURT OF JUSTICE AND THE PRIVY COUNCIL
By P.J.Husbands

It is regrettable that there is so little trust in the Leader of the Opposition ( L.O.)that at this time when there should be unity on the question of the implementation of the of the Caribbean Court of Justice as a replacement of the Privy Council, the L.Os. statement is at variance with the Government's position on this issue. As everyone knows the disappointment is principally with the judges in Trinidada. It left much to be desired. In Saint Lucia, there is the requirement of a judge with an acquaintance of the law in Saint Lucia, particularly community property and so on It is not sufficient merely to declare that it is the intention to appoint a Canadian judge especially from Louisiana. For Saint Lucia it should have been a separate appointment.

It is the view of many Saint Lucians that before a judge is appointed. here, the appointee should be subject to some form of public scrutiny.

At this time we should set up a Commission. to monitor procedural and other changes before they become operational. I am aware that the P.C. uses information technology for all appeals. Since this is not in operation here we should ask for an interim period before this is taken to be the norm.