For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will conduct in-person hearings at the Seat of the Court, in Port of Spain, Trinidad. This matter, DCP Successors Limited v the State of Jamaica, has been filed in the Court’s Original Jurisdiction (OJ). In this jurisdiction, the Court has exclusive authority to adjudicate upon disputes arising from the interpretation and application of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which governs the operation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
The details of the matter are as follows:
DATE & TIME:
9:30 a.m. AST on Monday, 17th July 2023 & 10:00 a.m. AST on Tuesday, 18th July 2023
LOCATION:
134 Henry Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
LIVESTREAM LINKS:
17.07.23– https://bit.ly/3D8XwbI & 18.07.23– https://bit.ly/3rsWPaF
CASE SUMMARY:
This is a matter from Dominica. The Claimant (“DCPS”) is a company duly incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Dominica. The Respondent is the State of Jamaica. DCPS is a manufacturer of various soap products as it uses a process called saponification to make generic soap noodles which can then be scented and moulded. DCPS contends that the Respondent is breaching the provisions of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas by exempting soap manufacturers in Jamaica from paying the Common External Tariff on imported soap noodles which do not qualify for community treatment as imported products.
USEFUL INFORMATION FOR JOURNALISTS
Members of the media may attend open court hearings at the CCJ when cases are heard in person. Specially assigned seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Cases that are conducted in camera (in private) are not open to the public. This matter is not in camera. Hearings can generally be viewed live on the Court’s YouTube page which can be accessed here: CCJ YouTube Channel.
Video recording /photography is strictly prohibited in the courtroom unless permission is granted by the Public Education and Protocol Unit.
Journalists are allowed to use mobile phones in the courtroom. However, the use of these devices should not cause a disturbance or distraction. They also cannot be used to take photos or film any part of the proceedings.
For more information, please contact Ria Mohammed-Pollard, the Court’s Communication and Information Manager: rmpollard@ccj.org
