CCJ President must be given latitude to lead Court – Guyana Bar Council

…condemns leak of Judges’ internal correspondence

The Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana has expressed concern over media reports concerning the leak of internal correspondence among Judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), warning that the disclosure of confidential communications could undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.
In a statement dated August 10, 2026, the Bar Council said the CCJ, as Guyana’s final appellate court and the only court with jurisdiction to interpret and apply the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, must remain an institution whose integrity is respected and protected.
The Council said internal correspondence and deliberations among Judges must remain confidential, arguing that the disclosure of such communications, irrespective of their content, creates a risk of bringing the administration of justice into disrepute.

“The Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana has noted with grave concern media reports concerning the leak of internal correspondence among the Judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice,” the statement said.
According to the Council, robust discussions among members of the Court are expected and form part of the judicial process. However, it said any unauthorised disclosure of internal correspondence to the media would amount to a serious breach of confidence.
“The legal profession expects and respects robust discussion among the members of the Court,” the Council said, adding that the unauthorised disclosure of internal correspondence would constitute “a gross breach of confidence and a serious dereliction of duty” by anyone responsible.
The Bar Council also addressed the role of the President of the CCJ, stating that the Court’s leader should be given sufficient latitude to develop and implement a vision for the institution and establish principles governing its administration.
It said such leadership should be exercised with due regard to the Code of Judicial Conduct of the Caribbean Court of Justice.
While raising concerns about the disclosure of the correspondence, the Bar Council made clear that it was not taking a position on the issues contained in the leaked communications.
“The Bar Council expresses no view on the substance of the matters raised in the correspondence,” the statement said.
The Council’s position comes as media reports have drawn attention to internal communications among CCJ Judges, placing renewed focus on confidentiality, judicial administration, and the institutional integrity of the Region’s highest court.
The CCJ serves as Guyana’s final court of appeal and has responsibility for interpreting and applying the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which governs the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Single Market and Economy and other aspects of regional integration.
The Bar Council said preserving confidentiality within the Court is essential to maintaining confidence in the judicial system and ensuring that the CCJ continues to discharge its responsibilities with institutional integrity.