The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Wins 15th Annual CCJ International Law Moot Competition

The Faculty of Law at The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Cave Hill campus, triumphed at the XV Annual Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) International Law Moot, held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on March 21, 2025. This victory, their second since 2012, solidified Cave Hill’s standing as a leading legal institution in the Caribbean, further underscored by their concurrent win for Best Academic Institution. The winning team, composed of Deborah Bryan, Alala Moore, and Khyle Harrisingh, were lauded by the judges for their exceptional preparation and compelling arguments. Their advisor, Dr. Antonius Hippolyte, played a crucial role in their success. The competition also recognized other outstanding performances, including Alexia Trim of The UWI, St. Augustine campus, who received the Sir Henry Forde Prize for Best Oralist, and the Eugene Dupuch Law School from The Bahamas, which won the Mr. Justice Jacob Wit Prize for Best Written Submission.

The CCJ International Law Moot, now a prominent fixture in the regional legal calendar, provides aspiring legal professionals with a unique platform to showcase their advocacy skills. This annual event centers around the CCJ’s Original Jurisdiction, where the Court interprets and applies the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC), the cornerstone of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The Moot allows students to grapple with complex legal issues related to the RTC, such as freedom of movement, capital flow, and establishment rights within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. The competition offers invaluable practical experience and fosters a deeper understanding of CARICOM law and the CCJ’s role in regional integration.

This year’s hypothetical case challenged participants to address a fictional dispute concerning a CARICOM Member State’s alleged breach of the RTC through the implementation of discriminatory recruitment and procurement policies in its petroleum sector, favoring its own citizens. This scenario provided a rich context for exploring the nuances of the RTC and its implications for free and fair competition within the CARICOM Single Market. The students presented their arguments before a distinguished panel of CCJ judges, comprising the Honourable Mme Justice Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, the Honourable Mr Justice Peter Jamadar, and the Honourable Mme Justice Chantal Ononaiwu, mirroring the real-world dynamics of legal proceedings before the CCJ.

The 2025 Moot held special significance as it marked the competition’s 15th anniversary and the final edition under the guidance of Mr Justice Andrew Burgess, Chair of the Law Moot Committee, before his retirement in April. In his closing remarks, Justice Burgess emphasized the Moot’s importance as an investment in the future of legal talent in the region. He reflected on the competition’s growth and evolution since its inception in 2009, highlighting its role in nurturing the next generation of legal minds within the Caribbean. This landmark event also served as the last Moot for CCJ President, the Honourable Mr Justice Adrian Saunders, who is set to retire in July 2025.

President Saunders paid tribute to Justice Burgess’s instrumental role in shaping the competition, particularly in introducing new awards that recognize excellence in written submissions and oral advocacy. He underscored Justice Burgess’s dedication and commitment to elevating the Moot to its current status as a premier legal education activity. Mrs. Gabrielle Figaro-Jones, CCJ Registrar and Chief Marshal, also lauded the high caliber of the participating students, expressing confidence in the future of legal advocacy in the Caribbean. She echoed the sentiment that the dreams of regional unity and independence, as envisioned by the region’s forefathers, are in capable hands.

The 2025 CCJ International Law Moot brought together eight participating institutions, reflecting the widespread interest in the competition and its importance in the region. Teams from the Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Eugene Dupuch Law School, The Bahamas, Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad and Tobago, Norman Manley Law School, Jamaica, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, and the University of Guyana competed, showcasing the diverse representation across the Caribbean legal landscape. The event provided a platform for cross-cultural exchange and fostered a sense of regional solidarity among future legal professionals. Recordings of the competition and the award ceremony are available on the Caribbean Court of Justice’s YouTube channel, offering access to these valuable proceedings for a wider audience.