APNU Member of Parliament Dr. Terrence Campbell is calling for Justice Winston Anderson’s resignation amid
Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) leadership concerns.
The CCJ, a vital institution underpinning regional justice and sovereignty, faces mounting scrutiny following recent reports questioning its leadership and internal cohesion. Campbell said that the court’s authority is rooted not in political power but in the trust placed in its independence, impartiality, and integrity. That trust, according to the MP, is now under serious threat.
In a statement, the MP highlighted concerns over the conduct of CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson. Dr Campbell noted that recent disclosures have raised alarms that cannot be dismissed as mere internal disagreements.
Recent reports from the Trinidad Express reveal a significant internal divide within the CCJ, including allegations regarding Justice Anderson’s leadership style and his treatment of fellow judges. These reports raise broader questions about how the Court’s President exercises authority and interacts with other justices, potentially undermining the collegiality and independence essential to the institution’s credibility.
The MP stressed that these issues cannot be viewed in isolation. A final appellate court must be scrupulously independent of political influence and personalities. The President of such a court must avoid any conduct that could give a reasonable perception of interference in judicial independence or of acting as an intermediary in political or governmental affairs concerning the judiciary of a member state.
The question, Campbell argued, is not whether every allegation against Justice Anderson has been proven, but whether the accumulation of these concerns and internal divisions has already compromised the confidence necessary for the court’s effective functioning. This is especially critical as Justice Anderson actively urges other Caribbean nations to entrust their final appeals to the CCJ’s jurisdiction. The Court’s credibility depends on demonstrating unwavering independence and unity.
Dr. Campbell called for Justice Anderson to resign as President of the CCJ, emphasizing that such a step would not amount to an admission of guilt but would instead be a responsible act to restore confidence, address internal issues, and reaffirm the Court’s commitment to judicial independence. The MP noted that the Caribbean deserves a final court whose leadership commands the trust and respect of judges, governments, and citizens alike.
Dr Campbell stressed that the integrity of the CCJ must be prioritized over individual tenure. Restoring confidence in the Court’s leadership is essential for the Caribbean to have a final court of appeal that is truly independent, impartial, and worthy of regional trust.
“Justice Winston Anderson should resign, ” said Dr. Campbell
