Belize to abolish Privy Council appeals

Belize is to abolish appeals to the British Privy Council and instead sign on to the appellate jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).



The Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Barrow made the announcement at the summit of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders now on in Belize City.



At present only two CARICOM member states, Barbados and Guyana have accepted the CCJ as their court of last resort.



Prime Minister Barrow, who is also the CARICOM chairman, said his government plans to embrace the CCJ as its final appellate court.



A year ago while he was in Opposition, Mr Barrow and his United Democratic Party had refused to support the CCJ.



He now says he believes the move to abolish appeals to the Privy Council will enhance Belize’s Caribbean identity.