Justice Winston Anderson Appointed President of the Caribbean Court of Justice

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has announced the appointment of the Honourable Mr. Justice Winston Anderson as its next President. He will succeed the current President, the Honourable Mr. Justice Adrian Saunders, whose tenure concludes on July 3, 2025. Justice Anderson, a dual citizen of Jamaica and Barbados, brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished career in both legal practice and academia to the role. His selection marks a significant moment for the CCJ as it continues to evolve as a leading judicial institution within the Caribbean region. The official swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for July 6, 2025, in Jamaica, marking the commencement of Justice Anderson’s presidency.

Justice Anderson’s journey in law began with his Bachelor of Laws degree from The University of the West Indies (UWI) in 1983. Demonstrating a commitment to advanced legal studies, he pursued a Doctorate in Philosophy at Cambridge University, which he completed in 1988, specializing in the increasingly important fields of International and Environmental Law. His academic qualifications were further enhanced by his admission to the Bar of England and Wales in 1988, followed by his admission to the Bar of Barbados in 1989. This combination of academic achievement and practical legal training laid the foundation for his multifaceted career.

Returning to the Caribbean, Justice Anderson embarked on a long and impactful tenure at UWI’s Faculty of Law. He served in various capacities, including Lecturer, Deputy Dean, Head of the Teaching Department of Law, and Senior Lecturer in Law. His contributions during this period, which lasted until 2003, extended beyond the classroom. He actively participated in legal reform initiatives and played a key role in shaping legal education in the region. His involvement in these efforts established him as a prominent figure in Caribbean legal circles and solidified his reputation as a dedicated legal scholar and reformer.

The selection process for the CCJ Presidency was rigorous and comprehensive. The Regional and Judicial Legal Services Commission (RJLSC) oversaw the procedure, which involved shortlisting seven highly qualified candidates from across the Commonwealth. The applicant pool included individuals from Barbados, Botswana, Jamaica/Barbados, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka, representing a diverse range of legal backgrounds and experiences. Justice Anderson ultimately secured the appointment by obtaining the required three-quarters majority vote from the CARICOM Heads of Government, demonstrating the widespread support for his candidacy. This decision, made at the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM held in Barbados from February 19-21, 2025, reflects the high regard in which he is held within the Caribbean legal community.

Outgoing CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders, expressed strong endorsement for his successor. He highlighted Justice Anderson’s extensive experience, intellectual rigor, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law as key attributes that have significantly contributed to the development of the Court’s jurisprudence. Justice Saunders expressed confidence that Justice Anderson’s leadership will further enhance the CCJ’s commitment to dispensing justice of the highest standard and reinforce its mission to serve the region with independence, fairness, and integrity. This commendation from the outgoing President underscores the smooth transition of leadership and the shared vision for the future of the CCJ.

Justice Anderson’s appointment as President of the CCJ signifies a new chapter for the institution. Building upon the foundation laid by his predecessors, he is expected to continue strengthening the Court’s role in upholding the rule of law and promoting regional integration. His extensive experience in academia, coupled with his practical legal background, positions him well to navigate the complex legal landscape of the Caribbean and to lead the CCJ in addressing the evolving legal challenges facing the region. His presidency promises to be a period of continued growth and development for the CCJ as it strives to maintain its position as a leading judicial body in the Caribbean and beyond.