PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Aug 12, CMC – The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC) says it will conduct “a transparent and independent review” of the allegations made against the President of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
In a statement, the RJLSC said it is aware of the recent allegations concerning the administration of the CCJ and the independence of its judges.
“The Commission recognises the seriousness of these matters and the importance of addressing them in a manner that protects public trust and confidence in the Court and the broader administration of justice throughout the Caribbean.
“As a result, the RJLSC believes that these concerns are best addressed through the established internal governance mechanisms of the Court and the Commission, and through a transparent and independent review undertaken in the best interest of the region.”
The Trinidad and Tobago Sunday Express newspaper reported that Justice Anderson, who had become the fourth CCJ president on July 6, 2025, had been accused by a majority of his fellow judges of governing the regional court in an “authoritarian” and “dictatorial” manner.
The newspaper said that the complaints range from unilaterally imposing a judicial dress code to allegations of “panel fixing” and attempts to influence the outcome of cases.
Established on July 23, 2003, the Commission is an independent, non-political body constituted under the agreement establishing the CCJ. It brings together distinguished legal professionals, public service leaders, and civil society representatives from across the Caribbean to serve as Commissioners.
The Commission is responsible for the appointment of the judges and staff of the CCJ, sets their work terms, allowances, oversees disciplinary action and protects the court from political interference.
It said that it maintains an “open door policy” for all members of staff and judges, to address concerns and seek resolution on any matter relating to the execution of their functions and overall wellbeing.
“In the twenty-three years since the establishment of the Commission, the RJLSC has enjoyed fruitful working relationships with the Court. In these two decades, Commissioners have operated independently, without interference or influence – neither from the Court nor external actors.
“The Commissioners remain confident in this storied history of autonomy enjoyed under the leadership of all of the Court’s Presidents as Chairs of the Commission, past and present. At the same time, it emphasises that no conclusions should be drawn about the allegations until they have been examined fairly and objectively,” the RJLSC said, adding it “ remains committed to continuing its independent operations and service to member states for years to come”.
In a statement to the Sunday Express newspaper, the CCJ said it “is mindful that questions and allegations presented without the benefit of context, background, or an appreciation of the nature of judicial deliberations, collegial discussions, and institutional governance may lend themselves to misunderstanding or mischaracterisation.
“For that reason, the Court wishes to reaffirm that the Judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice remain committed to the tenets of judicial conduct enshrined in the United Nations Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct—independence, impartiality, integrity, propriety, equality, competence, and diligence.
“Maintaining public confidence in the Court is fundamental to upholding the rule of law and preserving trust in the administration of justice. The Caribbean Court of Justice remains committed to providing accessible fair and efficient justice for the people and states of the Caribbean Community.”
CMC/pr/ir/2026