DR. KENNETH Anthony, Prime Minister of St. Lucia, who last night delivered the Michael Manley Foundation lecture at the Life of Jamaica Auditorium, used the occasion of his visit to drum up support for the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
The St. Lucia Prime Minister, who was invited by Prime Minister P.J. Patterson to address the Cabinet yesterday, has responsibility for governance within the CARICOM Heads of Government structure. Mr. Patterson deals with common external negotiations.
Burchell Whiteman, Minister of Information, told reporters at yesterday's post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House that Dr. Anthony spoke with members of the Cabinet on developments relating to the Caribbean Single Market and Economy and the related matter of progress with the CCJ.
He proposed that while the financing arrangements are being put in place for the Court, CARICOM should shortly begin the negotiations to appoint the regional Judicial and Legal Service Commission, Mr. Whiteman said.
He said that this was a requisite first step to permit the enactment of the rules to guide the operation of the CCJ. The appointment of the members of the Commission will involve consultations with the professionals in the different territories.
