CCJ mourns passing of Chief Justice Michael de la Bastide

Justice Michael de la Bastide, the Trinidad and Tobago-based Caribbean Court of Justice’s first President, has passed away, marking a sombre moment for the regional court. The court is also mourning the recent loss of retired CCJ Judge, Justice Désirée Bernard.
In a statement released on Saturday, the CCJ paid tribute to Justice de la Bastide, who steered the Court from its inception until his retirement in 2011. Describing him as an exemplary jurist, the court highlighted his distinguished career, which began with a sterling education in Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom.
Justice de la Bastide’s contributions extended beyond the bench; he served as an Independent Senator in Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament and held positions such as President of the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago.

Following a successful tenure as Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago, during which he received the country’s highest national honour, the Trinity Cross, Justice de la Bastide was appointed as a member of the Privy Council by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In 2004, he was elected as President of the CCJ, a role he fulfilled with distinction.
His legacy is immortalised not only in his legal achievements but also in his published memoirs, “Within the Law, Memoirs of a Caribbean Jurist”, released in 2021 to widespread acclaim. Justice de la Bastide’s profound dedication to justice and humanity is encapsulated in his words urging intolerance of incompetence, inefficiency, and inertia.
Reflecting on Justice de la Bastide’s impact, the current CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders expressed deep admiration, stating, “It was an extraordinary honour and privilege to have worked alongside President de la Bastide. His razor-sharp mind, prodigious knowledge of the law, and tremendous experience exerted a profound influence on me.”
The passing of Justice de la Bastide follows closely on the heels of that of retired CCJ Judge, Justice Bernard, who also left an indelible mark on the court during her tenure from 2005 to 2014.
Justice Bernard, a trailblazer in her own right, achieved several professional milestones, including being the first woman High Court Judge, Justice of Appeal, Chief Justice, and Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana and in the Commonwealth Caribbean. Her contributions to the advancement of women in the legal profession and her pivotal role in shaping Caribbean jurisprudence are deeply revered.

CCJ President Saunders paid tribute to Justice Bernard’s legacy, remarking, “It is well-nigh impossible that the Region will ever produce another trailblazer as Justice Bernard was. She was a tremendous role model, and her influence on the Region’s legal landscape is immeasurable.”
In commemorating the lives and legacies of Justice de la Bastide and Justice Bernard, the CCJ mourns the loss of two esteemed jurists, whose contributions will continue to resonate throughout the Region and beyond.