Bill to replace Privy Council with C.C.J.

Courtenay also spoke about the government’s decision to amend the constitution for replacing the Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice. While he had strong reservations about the situation about dual citizenship, Courtenay feels joining the Caribbean Court is a good move for Belize.

Eamon Courtenay, Attorney
“I have always personally believed that the quicker we can leave from the Privy Council to the Caribbean Court of Justice the better. I say that because I think the Privy Council is a reminder of our colonial past which was not glorious. I think it is the vestige of a time that has gone and I think that we have sufficiently, competent men and women in the Caribbean Court of Justice who can deliver justice for us. When one looks at the situation it is extremely expensive to go to the Privy Council. There have been only a few cases primarily criminal cases, and that was done by liberal N.G.O.’s who supported the anti-death penalty position and therefore they funded the actual cases that went. There are few civil cases by companies or people who can afford going all the way to London. It won’t be much cheaper going to the C.C.J. but what the C.C.J. has done under its law and rules is provide for technology to assist in cutting down the cost.”

The C.C.J. will allow for filings to be done electronically and there are provisions in place for video hearings. Generally, the C.C.J. will be more accessible to Belizeans as well as to the rest of the Caribbean.