Attorney General Signals Push for CCJ Accession, Constitutional Reform Talks

3
AG Benjamin

Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin says Antigua and Barbuda will launch national consultations on joining the appellate jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice, calling the long delay “an affront to our sovereignty.”

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 law year, Benjamin said the country should no longer rely on a foreign final court of appeal, declaring, “We are now the masters of our own destiny.” He also said discussions will begin on transitioning to republic status, with a referendum to be held at a later date.

Benjamin announced the formation of a constitutional review and reform committee, which he will chair with Vice Chair Justin Simon KC. The committee includes Dobrene Omarde, Dr. Lenworth Johnson, MP Richard Lewis, Debra Burnette, Beverly Benjamin and Ralph Bowen, with invitations extended to Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle and Barbuda People’s Movement leader Trevor Walker to nominate members.

He acknowledged delays in criminal cases and said justice reforms will form part of the 2026 legislative agenda, while noting that the High Court’s civil division has virtually no backlog. Benjamin urged lawyers to help educate the public on CCJ membership and said constitutional reform must combine judicial independence with public trust built on transparency, integrity and fairness.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]

3 COMMENTS

  1. Congratulations to Beverly Benjamin and Ralph Bowen, the architects and vanguards of Constitutional Reform.
    Two members of the Dyaspora who put their time, money and knowledge where their mouths are.
    When Antigua and Barbuda becomes a Republic, I nominate Mr. Ralph Bowen Esq. as the First President of Antigua and Barbuda.

  2. Retirement plan.
    This is preparation for retirement. He knows that he does not stand a chance against the Privy Council. He is likely to have friends or know of friends that might be close to the CCJ.
    He has history with the Privy Council ask Vere Browne about that.

    This is a retirement plan.

  3. Cutie we will support to join the CCJ when you help us get rid of Gaston, Chet or even yourself could get the Top Spot

Comments are closed.