Britain has given Dominica its ap-proval to adopt the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the island’s final court of appeal, according to the Caricom Secretariat.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit disclosed on Thursday that he received a letter from British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, indicating that the British Government agrees and has no objection to Dominica recognizing the CCJ as its final appellate Court.
Skerrit said with this approval, there is no need for a referendum.
The Prime Minister, according to the Jamaica Gleaner, said Dominica is pleased to become the first island of the Organisation of Eastern States to move towards adopting the Caribbean Court of Justice as its final Court of Appeal.
He says he believes the move will deepen integration and pave the way for other countries to become full members of the regional court.
In expressing his pleasure at the news, Caricom Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque said: “This heralds a positive start to the year for the integration movement. It is my hope that Dominica will lead the way for those other Member States with similar constitutions. I look forward to the early passage of the required legislation so that Dominica can join Barbados, Belize and Guyana in completing its circle of sovereignty.”
