WPA Raises Alarm Over Alleged Politicking at Caribbean Court (CCJ)

The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) has raised serious concerns over reports of political maneuvering and “one-manism” within the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), warning that the allegations, if proven, could undermine confidence in the region’s highest judicial body.

In a statement dated August 9, 2026, WPA Co-Leader and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) parliamentarian Dr. David Hinds described the reports as deeply troubling, particularly for a court long promoted as an independent alternative to the UK-based Privy Council, which previously served as the final appellate court for many Caribbean states.

“Working People’s Alliance (WPA) is concerned about reports of political maneuvering and charges of one-manism at the CCJ. These are a revelation of tremendous proportions.”

The CCJ, headquartered in Trinidad and Tobago, was established to strengthen regional judicial sovereignty and has served as Guyana’s final court of appeal since 2005. Over the years, it has played a decisive role in constitutional interpretation, governance disputes, and election-related litigation—making its independence central to democratic stability.

The Court has come under intense scrutiny following reports of internal conflict among its judges and questions surrounding the leadership of its President, Justice Winston Anderson. An emerging “exposé,” driven by Trinidad’s Sunday Express, highlights allegations of deep divisions within the court, concerns over judicial independence, and disputes over the composition of judicial panels, including the removal of Justice Chile Eboe-Osuji from a case.

Hinds said the allegations strike at the heart of that credibility.

“If these allegations prove to be true, then the very integrity of the court comes under intense scrutiny. Opposition to the CCJ by some regional political parties on the grounds that the court would become a political tool will be justified.”

The WPA noted that skepticism about the CCJ has persisted in some political quarters since its inception, with critics warning that proximity to regional governments could expose the court to undue influence. The party argued that the current claims risk reinforcing those long-standing fears.

For Guyana, the implications are particularly significant. The CCJ played a pivotal role during the country’s 2020 general and regional elections, adjudicating key legal challenges that ultimately influenced the declaration of results after months of political deadlock and international scrutiny.

“For Guyana, these developments are especially disturbing. The CCJ has in some regards been pivotal in determining the outcome of at least one recent election. Was the alleged politicking at work back then?”

The WPA also questioned whether the reported issues are limited to current leadership or indicative of deeper, systemic concerns within the institution.

“Are the current allegations confined to the present leadership or are they broader and deeper?”

Hinds referenced earlier concerns raised by Aubrey Norton, who had suggested possible collusion involving the CCJ in the abrupt departure of a former Chancellor of the Judiciary—an issue that has remained politically contentious.

“Aubrey Norton had hinted at CCJ collusion in our former Chancellor’s hasty exit.”

He further pointed to a recent high-profile political ruling by the court, suggesting that while it may be premature to draw firm conclusions, the emerging allegations cast a shadow over its decisions.

“Another high-profile political matter was recently ruled on by the court. While it is too early to draw conclusions, this does not look good.”

The WPA said it remains committed to regional integration and the principle of judicial independence but stressed that transparency and accountability are essential to preserving the legitimacy of the CCJ, particularly given its expanding influence across CARICOM states.

While the allegations remain unproven and no official response has yet been issued by the court, the party’s intervention adds to a growing debate over the integrity of regional institutions at a time of heightened political tension in Guyana and across the Caribbean.