KINGSTON, Jamaica, Jul 9, CMC – The Judiciary of Jamaica has congratulated the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, who has become the first Jamaican to be appointed President of the Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal (CSAT).
“The Judiciary of Jamaica takes great pride in Justice McDonald-Bishop’s continued international recognition and thanks her for her tireless dedication to the rule of law, justice, and good governance. Her appointment reflects not only her distinction but also the calibre of Jamaica’s judiciary on the global stage,” it said in a statement.
Justice McDonald-Bishop’s one year term begins on August 1, 2025, and will run alongside the final year of her second four-year term as a CSAT member.
The tribunal applies principles of international administrative law, excluding national laws of Commonwealth countries in employment-related cases and the statement said while the role is primarily honorary and non-remunerative it is a recognition of her “exemplary judicial service” in Jamaica and the Commonwealth.
Justice McDonald-Bishop’s appointment was made by the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat, following her nomination and selection by its Board of Governors.
She has been a member of the tribunal since August 2018, succeeding fellow Jamaican jurist and former Court of Appeal President, Justice (retired) Seymour Panton.
The CSAT, established in 1995, is an independent body tasked with resolving disputes involving the Commonwealth Secretariat and related institutions. It hears cases brought by Secretariat staff, contractors, or the Secretariat itself relating to breaches of employment or service contracts. Under special provisions, it can also hear matters involving intergovernmental Commonwealth bodies.
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