CCJ uses sign language interpretation in judgement delivery.

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), based in Trinidad, has announced its plans to integrate a sign language interpreter into its judgment delivery process for the first time.

This is a significant move forward for the highest and final court for some Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries.

The court will begin the process when delivering its judgement in a case involving New Building Society Ltd of Guyana and its former CEO, Maurice Arjoon, on Tuesday. The CCJ has also stated that it will use the sign language interpreter for other matters.

The CCJ has a mission to provide accessible, fair, and efficient justice to the people and states of the Caribbean Community.

The court’s statement emphasized the importance of access to justice as a fundamental principle of the rule of law.

It also highlighted the need for judiciaries, including judicial officers and court staff, to take all necessary steps to provide fair, transparent, inclusive, effective, non-discriminatory, and accountable services for court users and employees alike, particularly those with disabilities.

The CCJ was established in 2001 and has both an Original and Appellate Jurisdiction.

In 2022, the CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders, established the CCJ Committee for Improving Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities to develop policies and guidelines to create an accessible and inclusive court.

This initiative is part of a broader commitment and the Court’s continued efforts to enhance its accessibility and inclusivity. The CCJ remains dedicated to fostering an accessible and inclusive court and workplace.