Justice Winston Anderson, the President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, is refuting recent allegations involving the internal affairs of the regional court. In a statement issued today, Justice Anderson said recent reports have caused concern and sadness across the institution and the wider Caribbean. He strongly condemned the unauthorized release of confidential court material, saying it damages public trust, judicial independence and the integrity of the court’s internal deliberations. Justice Anderson also addressed several allegations directly, including concerns over consultation, judicial dress, panel selection and claims that judgments were influenced. He rejected suggestions that court panels were changed to secure specific outcomes, calling those claims false and harmful to public confidence in Caribbean justice. On the issue of judicial attire, Anderson said the court has long followed established practices, including the wearing of robes or bench jackets during proceedings. He acknowledged that his handling of the matter may have come across strongly, but said his aim was to protect the consistency and institutional image of the CCJ. The CCJ President also commented on Guyana’s prolonged acting appointments for Chancellor and Chief Justice. He said his concern was not political, but centered on judicial independence and the need for substantive appointments to the country’s top judicial offices. Despite the controversy, Justice Anderson said the CCJ will continue its work independently and fairly, serving the people of the Caribbean while protecting the legacy of regional justice.
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