Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has described the appointment of Jamaican jurist, Justice Winston Anderson, as president of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as a proud moment for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region.

“You bring to this office a distinguished legal mind, a profound commitment to Caribbean jurisprudence and decades of service grounded in scholarship and vision. You bring to this Presidency a wealth of experience, including being the founding chairman of the court’s educational arm, now known as the CCJ Academy for Law.

“Over the years, you have contributed significantly to the development of both the original and appellate jurisdictions, authoring key judgments that have strengthened the rule of law across the region. Your scholarly and judicial work continues to shape regional jurisprudence and inspire the next generation of Caribbean legal minds,” Holness said.

He was speaking during the swearing-in ceremony for Anderson’s installation as the fourth CCJ president at the Jewel Grande Hotel in St. James on Sunday (July 6).

Holness noted that, “as we mark 20 years of the CCJ’s contribution to Caribbean justice and integration, this moment allows us to both honour its legacy and embrace a new chapter in our region’s judicial journey.”

Meanwhile, the prime minister emphasised that the CCJ must remain a cornerstone in expanding access to justice through technology and innovation, while upholding judicial independence and accountability.

“As we usher in this new presidency, let us embrace the next 20 years with confidence, shared ownership and an unwavering belief in the CCJ as a cornerstone of Caribbean integration and development,” he stated.

Holness added that Jamaica remains firmly committed to the ideals of regional legal cooperation and strengthening the institutions that uphold justice across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

“We believe that the Caribbean Court of Justice, under this new leadership, will continue to inspire confidence, protect rights, and shape a region where justice is accessible, relevant and transformative,” he stated.

The prime minister extended heartfelt appreciation to outgoing CCJ president, Justice Adrian Saunders, for his distinguished legacy of service and leadership.

“Under his leadership, the Court developed its first strategic plans in 2012 and again in 2019; strengthened its administrative structure and public outreach, and ensured continuity even through the challenges of the [COVID-19] pandemic with uninterrupted hearings and virtual operations.

“Justice Saunders, we salute your 48-year legal career, marked by integrity, compassion, humor and unwavering dedication to the rule of law. Your legacy of judicial integrity, regional jurisprudence and institutional excellence has profoundly shaped the CCJ, and we are most grateful for your service,” Dr. Holness said.

The outgoing president devoted nearly three decades to Caribbean justice—20 of those years at the CCJ, including seven exemplary years as its third president.

Born in 1960, Anderson was sworn in as judge of the CCJ in 2010.

He is the father of three adult children—Anessa, Aleisha, and Anquan—and now holds Barbadian nationality in addition to his native Jamaican citizenship.

Established on February 14, 2001, by the Agreement Establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice, the CCJ serves as the regional judicial tribunal for the Caribbean Community.