Saint Lucia hosted its first-ever itinerant sitting and ceremonial opening of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) from October 7 to 8, marking the launch of the 2026/2027 judicial year.
It was a truly momentous occasion for Saint Lucia, on Wednesday, as the sub-regional state for the first time in the CCJ’s 21-year history convened an opening ceremony and travelling sittings outside its headquarters in Trinidad. Notably, Saint Lucia’s accession to the CCJ’s Appellate Jurisdiction in 2023 , was as the fifth CARICOM member state to do so.
Wednesday’s ceremonial function featured a gathering of attorneys, and distinguished legal luminaries marching in unison to the sounds of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force [RSLPF] Police Band from the Windjammer Gap , to the ECSC Headquarters , at Orange Grove , Gros Islet .
It was a wonderful and colourful spectacle as President of the CCJ Justice Winston Anderson took a ‘guard of honour’ inspecting the officers assembled for the occasion , which included a slew of recruits into the ranks.
After the official opening ceremony , the gathering made its way to the ECSC court room , which featured High-Level Courtesy Calls – as the justices met with Acting Governor-General Felix Finisterre, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Chief Justice Margaret Price Findlay, Attorney General Leslie Vincent Mondesir, and Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet.
At the opening session of the CCJ in Saint Lucia on October 7, Justice Winston Anderson emphasized the importance of judicial independence and regional unity in strengthening justice across the Caribbean. He highlighted the CCJ’s role in promoting legal consistency and resolving disputes through a regional tribunal.
Chief Justice Margaret Findlay underscored the court’s commitment to accessibility, transparency, and public trust, advocating for greater awareness of the CCJ’s functions among citizens. Both justices called for enhanced cooperation among member states and reinforced the court’s mission as a symbol of regional sovereignty and integration.
Following the ceremony , the court heard three active matters originating from Saint Lucia, Guyana, and Belize, and delivered judgments in two matters from Belize.
During its historic sittings in Saint Lucia, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) focused heavily on major appeals and judgments originating from Belize.
The primary cases highlighted during the October 7–8, 2026 proceedings include:
The Oral Arguments: The Crown v. Oscar Selgado
Context: On Wednesday, October 7, the CCJ heard oral arguments regarding a major criminal appeal brought forward by the Belize Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The Case: The state is appealing a decision by the Belize Court of Appeal, which overturned the conviction and 10-year prison sentence of prominent Belizean attorney Oscar Selgado. Selgado had originally been found guilty in March 2024 for abetment to murder. The state is fighting to reinstate his original conviction.
The Judgments: Belize Tourism Board (BTB) Disputes
Context: On Thursday, October 8, the CCJ delivered final judgments regarding high-profile executive terminations.
The Case: The matters involve two separate but similar wrongful termination disputes filed by former tourism executives, Karen Bevans and Misty Michael, against the Belize Tourism Board. While lower courts previously ruled in favor of the former executives, the BTB appealed to the region’s highest court, arguing that their employment contracts lacked proper legal authorization.