The event drew top regional leaders, including CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, Prime Ministers Andrew Holness and John Briceño, and outgoing CCJ President Justice Adrian Saunders. Doctor Barnett described the role of CCJ President as one of great responsibility, requiring wisdom, integrity, and leadership in a rapidly changing world. Justice Saunders praised Anderson’s track record, noting his involvement in over 200 appeals and his authorship of more than 30 legal opinions. Prime Minister Holness called the appointment a proud moment for Jamaica and the region, citing Anderson’s deep legal expertise and commitment to Caribbean jurisprudence.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“The unique and aspirational goals of the CCJ cast in its mission at the establishment twenty years on without question, has been realized in even greater measure than the ratifying heads in February 2001 could have envisioned. Unlike any other appellate courts, the judges of the CCJ have this unique ability and role to also sit in the court’s original jurisdiction, fleshing out for greater clarity the provisions of the treaty at issue. And also playing the role of the first instant judges, listening to live evidence as judges of facts. But the CCJ has, during the twenty-year growth spurt, done more than this, that is to say, hearing cases. The fascinating achievements of the court during this period is catalogued and well documented on the court’s webpage, outlining the court’s leading role in developing Caribbean jurisprudence and promoting legal education, judicial independence and access to justice in the Caribbean.”
Justice Anderson will serve a term of up to seven years, succeeding Justice Saunders in leading the region’s highest court.