By Devon Evans, Gleaner WriterOCHO RIOS: COURT OF Appeal judge Justice Seymour Panton has joined the debate over the establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), warning that the court will fail to gain full international recognition if it is to commence its work in an atmosphere of weakness and disunity.
He noted that while most people might have already agreed that the United Kingdom-based Privy Council would "not remain with us forever", the main concern over the establishment of the CCJ appears to be the methodology and the timing.
Justice Panton said he was hoping that there will be some resolution soon, on the areas of concern and difficulty in order to end the controversy. "Because it cannot be in the best interest of our country for the proposed highest court to be established in controversy," he stated.
WON'T BE STRONG
Justice Panton was the guest speaker at the annual awards dinner of the Justices of the Peace Association of St. Ann, held at the Renaissance Jamaica Grande Resort, in Ocho Rios, Saturday night.
"Such a court will find it very difficult to be strong and influential in the region and on the wider international stage if it commences to dispense justice in an atmosphere of weakness and disunity," Justice Panton stressed.
The Appeal Court judge saluted the JPs for their years of service and urged them to continue performing their duties not only with zest but also with decorum. He warned them against giving support to, or signing any document for any individual who is not above board. "Do not allow church, religion, politics whatever to cause you to feel any loyalty to any individual who you know is not above board. Do not give them your support. They cannot force you to sign. Don't sign, it's as simple as that."
He advised those with knowledge of crimes taking place in their communities to report the offenders to the police. At Saturday night's function, chaired by JP Leon Gordon, eight members of the association were honoured for long and outstanding service to the parish of St. Ann.
