CARICOM | Jamaica's Dr. Chantal Ononaiwu Recruited for the CCJ Bench

Georgetown, Guyana, August 24, 2024 - The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC) has announced the appointment of Jamaican legal luminary, Dr. Chantal Ononaiwu, as a Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). 

Dr. Ononaiwu's selection follows a meticulous and highly competitive recruitment process, filling the vacancy left by the untimely passing of Mr. Justice Jacob Wit earlier this year. Dr. Ononaiwu's appointment marks a significant milestone in the region's judicial landscape, reflecting the RJLSC's commitment to upholding the highest standards of legal excellence.

Dr. Ononaiwu brings to the CCJ over two decades of extensive experience in the legal field, with a specialization in Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Law and International Law. 

Her distinguished career includes roles as an adjudicator, litigator, legal advisor, and university lecturer, where she has made significant contributions to the development of legal thought and practice in the region. 

Notably, Dr. Ononaiwu has served as the Director of External Trade for CARICOM, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the organization's external trade policy and representing the region in international negotiations.

The announcement of Dr. Ononaiwu's appointment was made by the RJLSC Chairman and President of the CCJ, the Honourable Mr. Justice Adrian Saunders, who lauded the integrity and rigor of the selection process. 

"The RJLSC prides itself on a recruitment process that is competitive, premised on merit and experience, and fiercely independent," Justice Saunders stated. He emphasized that the appointment of Dr. Ononaiwu reflects the commission's unwavering commitment to selecting individuals of the highest caliber, chosen solely for their expertise, integrity, and dedication to justice.

Dr. Ononaiwu’s journey to the Caribbean Court of Justice is marked by an impressive array of accomplishments. With expertise spanning Commercial Law, International Trade Law, and Public International Law, she has played crucial roles in both regional and international legal arenas. 

Her experience includes serving as a Vice-Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce Digital Standards Initiative Legal Reform Advisory Board and as a counsel in Jamaica’s Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Division. In these capacities, Dr. Ononaiwu has demonstrated a deep commitment to legal reform and the advancement of the rule of law in the Caribbean.

In addition to her practical experience, Dr. Ononaiwu has made significant academic contributions. She has lectured in International Trade and Investment Law, Public International Law, and Criminal Law at The University of the West Indies, enriching the academic community with her extensive knowledge and insights. 

Her scholarly work, which includes publications on International Trade Law and Constitutional Law, underscores her intellectual rigor and dedication to advancing legal scholarship in the region.

Looking ahead, Dr. Ononaiwu is expected to take her oath of office in October 2024, officially joining the Bench of the Caribbean Court of Justice. Her appointment comes at a time when the RJLSC is also engaged in further recruitment exercises, including the search for a successor to Justice Saunders, who will retire in 2025. 

As Dr. Ononaiwu prepares to assume her new role, her appointment is seen as a positive step forward for the CCJ, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the region’s highest court.

Dr. Chantal Ononaiwu’s upcoming appointment as a Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice is a momentous occasion, not just for her personally, but for the entire Caribbean legal fraternity. Her selection by the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission underscores the high standards to which the region’s judiciary aspires. 

As she steps into this prestigious role, Dr. Ononaiwu is poised to make a lasting impact on the CCJ, contributing her vast expertise in law and her passion for justice to the ongoing development of the Caribbean’s legal system.

The RJLSC’s commitment to a rigorous and transparent selection process has once again been demonstrated through this appointment. By choosing Dr. Ononaiwu, the Commission has ensured that the Caribbean Court of Justice will continue to be a beacon of fairness and excellence. 

As the Court navigates the challenges and opportunities of the coming years, including the transition to new leadership with the forthcoming retirement of Justice Saunders, the addition of Dr. Ononaiwu to its ranks promises to strengthen its role in upholding the rule of law and delivering justice across the region.

Dr. Ononaiwu’s appointment is not just a testament to her individual achievements but also a reflection of the Caribbean’s rich legal heritage and its future potential. Her expertise, integrity, and dedication will undoubtedly serve the CCJ well, ensuring that it remains an institution that the people of the Caribbean can trust and respect. 

As she prepares to take her place on the Bench, the region watches with anticipation, confident that Dr. Ononaiwu will contribute significantly to the administration of justice in the Caribbean.

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