Trinidad PM rejects call for referendum on CCJ

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has rejected a call from the second biggest partner in her coalition administration for a referendum ahead of Trinidad and Tobago joining the appellate jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).



According to Persad-Bissessar, matters having to do with the CCJ are ideally suited for discussion at the level of the cabinet.



She said the announcement that the five-party coalition People’s Partnership government to accept the CCJ as the country's final appellate court in respect of criminal matters has been hailed as a positive step in the right direction by all.



The Prime Minister said if a member differs in his view it does not automatically alter the government’s position.



Last week, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar told Parliament that her administration would introduce legislation to replace the London-based Privy Council as the island’s final court of appeal.



Persad-Bissessar told legislators that she was looking forward to bi-partisan support when the legislation is brought to Parliament since it would require a special majority.