Dear Editor,

I write with regard to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) replacing the Privy Council of the UK as our final appellate court. I must agree that an independent country should be able to make its own decisions. However, we must be careful of wanting to sever ties with the Privy Council. The reason for this is fear.

Knowing that our Caribbean counterparts are not as accommodating of each other as they should, how then will justice be guaranteed to us? For instance, we are not able to trade freely and fairly between our so-called Caribbean partners, without facing trade barriers. Also, the stigma attached to our citizens by our immediate neighbour prevents us from travelling to any of these islands without being harassed.

Besides, the West Indies Cricket team is a true reflection of what the CCJ will look like, in terms of structure and operation. If as a country we cannot defend the rights of a Jamaican player on this team, how then will we be able to ensure that justice will be done to any of our compatriots who may be dragged before this court?

What Jamaica needs is a revival of its economy before moving forward to become a signature partner of CCJ, as this is the only way it can guarantee that justice will be served to its citizens in the final court of appeal.

Michael Thomas

mtatveg7@yahoo.com

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