Barbara Gayle, Staff Reporter
THE REGIONAL Judicial and Legal Services Commission which has the responsibility to appoint judges to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will be meeting on February 27 to appoint a president for the CCJ.
It is reported that there are five applicants for the post, two of whom are lawyers from Jamaica.
The president of the CCJ will be paid US$144,000 per annum (just over J$8.7 million). The emoluments of the Office of President are exempt from the payment of income tax or any other tax.
The post carries a rent-free, fully furnished, super grade residence or an allowance of US$36,000 per annum (about J$246,960) in lieu of such residence. Actual expenses incurred for official entertainment will be met from an official entertainment vote under the direction of the president.
The president shall be entitled to a subsistence allowance of US$200 for each day on which he or she is on official duty in a country other than Trinidad and Tobago which will be the headquarters for the CCJ.
An official motor vehicle of a quality to be determined by the Commission and which will be fully maintained by the court will be provided for the president. A chauffeur will be assigned to the Office of President and his wages will be paid by the court. Telephone facilities and Internet access are to be paid by the court. There is to be a travel grant every two years of US$10,000 each for the president and his or her spouse.
After the president is chosen, the posts for other members of the court will be advertised.
Jamaican lawyer Dr. Lloyd Barnett is a member of the 10-member Commission.
