Castries, Dec. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — An important piece of legislation aimed at consolidating Saint Lucia’s status as an independent nation will be debated in parliament in the New Year.
The Constitution Amendment Bill, which will set out the rules governing who can serve on the appellate jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), will be debated during second reading.
This will mark another important milestone in Saint Lucia’s ongoing efforts to end its obligations to the British-based Privy Council as the court for final decisions in criminal and civil cases.
The Government of Saint Lucia, through an exchange of correspondence, has already obtained the agreement of the Government of the United Kingdom to secede from the Privy Council and join the Appellate Jurisdiction of the CCJ, which currently includes Barbados, Belize, Dominica and Guyana. .
Based on the procedure defined in the Constitution, the Prime Minister Mr. Philip J Pierre, on October 11, 2022, put the bill to amend the Constitution for the first reading in the House of Assembly. The draft law is awaiting the second reading, which will be expected within the second week of January 2023, in accordance with the minimum interval of 90 days between the first and second reading, defined by the Constitution.
Accession to the appellate jurisdiction of the CCJ will require several amendments to the Constitution of Saint Lucia, particularly the provisions of the High Court Order requiring the votes of not less than three-quarters of all members of the House.
The Trinidad and Tobago-based CCJ accession process is being managed by the CCJ Accession Committee, chaired by retired CCJ President Sir Dennis Byron, who is also a former Chief Justice of the OECS.
Saint Lucia already has an organic association with the CCJ, having acceded, along with 11 other CARICOM member states, to the Court’s original jurisdiction in February 2001. Saint Lucia also paid its subscription once at that time. In its original jurisdiction, the CCJ serves as an arbitrator of disputes that may arise between member states as they pursue their rights and obligations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
Local consultations on the government’s intention to join the CCJ Appellate Jurisdiction began months ago with a four-hour meeting between representatives of the CCJ Membership Committee and the opposition leader, Mr. Allen Castanet. A press conference on the work of the Committee was held on 15 September at the Government Information Service Studio when the Chairman, Sir Dennis Byron and the Attorney General, Mr. Leslie Mondesir, gave an update on Saint Lucia’s mission to join the CCJ.
Consultations will continue with as many representative groups as possible in the New Year. Media discussions and town hall-style meetings are also planned.
The CCJ Accession Committee was formed in March 2022 and later that month, His Excellency formally announced its existence in the Speech from the Throne. The country was expected to become the fifth CARICOM member state to replace the Privy Council with the CCJ, His Excellency added.
Another reason to consider investing in Saint Lucia
– Strategic location: Saint Lucia is in the Caribbean region, which is a major center for tourism and trade. This makes it an attractive location for businesses looking to enter these markets.
– Strong economy: The country has a relatively strong and stable economy, with a GDP per capita of around $14,000. The country has a diversified economy, with sectors such as tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and construction contributing to its economic growth.
– Favorable tax regime: Saint Lucia has a favorable tax regime for investors, with low corporate and personal income tax rates. The country also offers tax exemptions for certain types of investments, such as those in the export sector or in certain economic zones.
– Investment opportunities: There are a number of investment opportunities in Saint Lucia, particularly in the tourism, agriculture and manufacturing sectors. The country is also home to several trade zones, which offer investors a number of benefits, including duty-free imports and exemptions from certain taxes.
– Quality of life: Saint Lucia is known for its beautiful natural environment, with beaches, forests and mountains to explore. The country also has a rich cultural heritage and a high standard of living, making it a desirable place to live and work.
