Dominica President, Belize and Antigua and Barbuda Prime Ministers to witness CCJ President-designate swearing-in

President of Dominica, His Excellency Dr. Nicholas Liverpool

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, AUGUST 31ST 2011 (CUOPM) – The President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, His Excellency Dr. Nicholas Liverpool; Prime Minister of Belize, the Hon. Dean Barrow and Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Baldwin Spencer, will witness the historic swearing-in of Kittitian-born the Right Honourable Sir Charles Michael Dennis Byron as the President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Sir Dennis will be sworn in during a ceremony which starts at 5:30 P.M. at Government House, Springfield, on Thursday 1st September in the presence of Chief Justices of the OECS, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Belize and Trinidad and Tobago and the Barbados; the Chancellor of the Judiciary in Guyana, Attorneys General from across Caribbean, scores of judges, barristers, friends and family members.

The ceremony begins with the Invocation by the Reverend Dr. Wycherley Gumbs, Superintendent Minister St. Kitts Circuit of the Methodist Church of the Caribbean and the Americas.

Prime Minister of Belize, the Hon. Dean Barrow

The Right Honourable Mr. Justice Michael de la Bastide, TC, Outgoing President of the Caribbean Court of Justice will pass the mantle during his remarks.

This will be followed by greetings by the Honourable Dr. Denzil Llewellyn Douglas, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and current Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Following a musical selection entitled “The Caribbean Court of Justice” performed by Range, the Honourable Mr. Justice Adrian Saunders, Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice will introduce Sir Dennis, the President-designate, who will be administered the Oath of Office by His Excellency the Governor General of St. Kitts and Nevis, Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, GCMG, OBE, MD, CM.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Baldwin Spencer

The presentation of the Seal of the Court will be presented by Ms. Paula Pierre, Registrar of the Caribbean Court of Justice.

Sir Dennis will then address the over 500 invited guests present as well as the radio and television audience watching live coverage of the event.

Sir Dennis succeeds the Right Honourable Mr. Justice Michael de la Bastide.