Justice Winston Anderson sworn in as CCJ President

In a ceremony described as more than just symbolic, the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) on Sunday formally welcomed the Hon. Justice Winston Charles Anderson as the fourth President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), cementing his place at the helm of the region’s apex court.
The ceremony was held at King’s House in Kingston, Jamaica, and saw scores of legal luminaries from all over the Caribbean in attendance.
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, delivering remarks at the swearing-in ceremony, underscored the significance of the occasion.
“This is not merely a ceremonial event. It is a powerful affirmation that CARICOM values the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the continuity of regional jurisprudence,” Dr. Barnett declared.

Justice Anderson, a Jamaican national, succeeds the Hon. Mr. Justice Adrian Saunders. He assumes leadership of the Court after an accomplished career in academia, regional legal development, and judicial service.
Describing him as “the quintessential Caribbean Jurist,” Dr. Barnett highlighted Anderson’s academic roots at the University of the West Indies (UWI), where he earned both his LLB and LLM. His academic career saw him return to UWI after studies in the United Kingdom, serving as Deputy Dean, Head of the Teaching Department of Law, and Senior Lecturer.
Anderson’s regional contributions were also noted. From 2003 to 2006, he served as General Counsel at the CARICOM Secretariat during what Dr. Barnett called “those critical years prior to the start of the CCJ in 2005.”
“He served with his trademark insight and incisiveness, and was of invaluable assistance,” she recalled.
In June 2010, Anderson was sworn in as a Judge of the CCJ—the first Jamaican and, at age 49, the youngest to ever hold that office. He also founded and chaired the CCJ Academy for Law, a body tasked with promoting standards and best practices in Caribbean jurisprudence.
Now assuming the highest judicial position within the CCJ, Anderson will not only preside over legal judgments but will also lead the institution through what Dr. Barnett described as “an era defined by technological change, social transformation, and global interconnectedness.”
The CCJ, in its original jurisdiction, serves as the final dispute resolution body under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, and its leadership is critical to CARICOM’s regional integration goals.
“We are reminded by the wise Jamaican proverb that ‘de olda de moon, de brighter it shine!’ We are therefore confident that, with the wealth of experience you bring to your Presidency, this vital body, under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, is in knowledgeable and capable hands,” she said.
She extended best wishes for his tenure and commended the leadership transition as a beacon of judicial integrity for the region.