Good morning.

It is a privilege to have administered the oath taken today by Justice Chile Eboe-Osuji, on the occasion of his assumption of duties as a judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice. On behalf of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, and on my own behalf, I extend heartfelt congratulations to you, to your family, and to the Caribbean Court of Justice on this most auspicious occasion.

From the moment it was established in 2001, the Caribbean Court of Justice has been unswerving in the pursuit of its vision of becoming a model of judicial excellence. Today, the CCJ has taken another important step in pursuit of that vision, by adding Justice Eboe-Osuji to its ranks. Justice Eboe-Osuji is a brilliant legal mind and a gifted jurist, whose long and distinguished career has, as we have heard, spanned many countries and institutions. Among his many other accomplishments, Justice Eboe-Osuji also has the distinction of having served as the fourth President of the International Criminal Court, and is the first former judge of the ICC to be appointed to the CCJ.

Justice Eboe-Osuji and the CCJ are a perfect match. The CCJ’s core values of integrity, industry, excellence, courtesy and consideration are in complete alignment with the judicial principles and philosophies which Justice Eboe-Osuji has long championed.  Indeed, in the CCJ’s and Justice Eboe-Osuji’s coming together, one might even join with the Psalmist and muse that “Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other”.

I believe that the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission has made a most excellent choice in appointing, to the CCJ, a jurist of such calibre – one who will have no trouble honouring and furthering the legacy of his predecessor, Mr Justice Andrew Burgess. I am confident that our region stands to benefit immensely from Justice Eboe-Osuji’s tenure.

To Justice Eboe-Osuji – may you continue to blaze a trail of excellence from the bench you now join.  Once again, I offer you and your family my warmest congratulations and wish you every success as you assume office in the region’s premier homegrown judicial institution.

Thank you.