The Dominica Bar Association has reaffirmed its confidence in the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) amid controversy surrounding the publication of confidential internal correspondence involving CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson and other judges.
The correspondence, which became public in August, contained disagreements among judges over matters including the proposed judicial dress code and administrative practices.
Some of the correspondence also contained allegations concerning Justice Anderson’s handling of judicial panels and other aspects of the Court’s administration.
Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Nationwide Radio reported, “Trinidadian Justice Peter Jamadar is quoted as describing the working environment at the court as increasingly toxic.”
According to the Jamaica Gleaner, Justice Anderson has rejected those allegations and condemned the disclosure of confidential court communications.
Regional legal bodies, including the OECS Bar Association and the Organisation of Commonwealth Caribbean Bar Associations (OCCBA), have called for investigations into the circumstances surrounding the leak and the concerns raised in the correspondence, as per the Guyana Chronicle.
Against that background, the Dominica Bar Association has issued the following statement, emphasizing that internal disagreements should not be confused with a breakdown in the Court’s judicial function and reaffirming confidence in the CCJ.
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Read full DBA statement below:
STATEMENT TO THE CITIZENS OF DOMINICA: Reaffirming Trust, Integrity, and Confidence in the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)
Last month, public attention across our nation and the wider region had been captivated by news reports surrounding internal correspondence and administrative debates within the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
The Dominica Bar Association recognizes that such developments can naturally stir feelings of concern, uncertainty, and skepticism regarding our regional apex court. We make this statement to you, the citizens of Dominica, to offer clarity, perspective, and an unshakeable reassurance in the strength of our judicial system.
The recent public disclosure of private internal emails between judges and CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson—concerning internal administrative styles, panel management, and court protocols—reflects internal friction, not a breakdown of judicial integrity. Conflict and disagreement are integral to human institutions. Robust internal debates, far from being a sign of structural failure, are an essential component of growth and, at times, self-correction.
The compromise of confidential internal communication is regrettable, as uncontextualized leaks often fuel speculation and sensationalism. However, internal administrative disagreement must not be confused with judicial compromise. As confirmed by official statements from the CCJ and from its President, the court remains united in its core mandate: dispensing impartial, high-quality justice. In the matters brought before the Court, judicial independence and the rule of law remain untarnished.
The Dominica Bar Association joins our regional umbrella bodies—including the Organization of Commonwealth Caribbean Bar Associations (OCCBA) and the OECS Bar Association, in expressing our firm, unbroken confidence in the CCJ.
Dominica stands proudly as one of the pioneering nations that fulfilled its Treaty obligations by acceding to the Appellate Jurisdiction of the CCJ. With over two decades of service, the CCJ has consistently delivered jurisprudence of international renown. This must not be forgotten. A leaked administrative challenge in over twenty years of distinguished operation does not dismantle a legacy built on legal brilliance, accessibility, and uncompromising fairness.
The Dominica Bar Association believes that every challenge presents a pivotal opportunity for strengthening:
• Investigative Integrity & Remediation: We support the call by OCCBA for thorough investigations into data security and internal administrative practices to ensure total operational transparency and safeguards.
• Active Public Legal Education: We commit to continuing to provide opportunities for accessible legal education for the Dominican public. This will contribute to demystifying court operations and governance, as well as legal rights and responsibilities, thereby building confidence in the legal system.
• Institutional Safeguarding: As legal practitioners, we accept our responsibility not only as advocates before the bench, but as vigilance-keepers ensuring our court functions transparently and independently.
The CCJ is our court—conceived, created, and maintained by Caribbean intellect and sovereign determination. We urge the Dominican public to look past sensationalized commentary, resist self-doubt, and measure the Court by the enduring quality of its justice. The CCJ was built to serve you, and it remains fully equipped, independent, and steadfast in fulfilling that sacred trust.
