Attorney General Signals Push for CCJ Accession, Constitutional Reform Talks

Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin says Antigua and Barbuda will launch national consultations on joining the appellate jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice, calling the long delay “an affront to our sovereignty.”

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 law year, Benjamin said the country should no longer rely on a foreign final court of appeal, declaring, “We are now the masters of our own destiny.” He also said discussions will begin on transitioning to republic status, with a referendum to be held at a later date.

Benjamin announced the formation of a constitutional review and reform committee, which he will chair with Vice Chair Justin Simon KC. The committee includes Dobrene Omarde, Dr. Lenworth Johnson, MP Richard Lewis, Debra Burnette, Beverly Benjamin and Ralph Bowen, with invitations extended to Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle and Barbuda People’s Movement leader Trevor Walker to nominate members.

He acknowledged delays in criminal cases and said justice reforms will form part of the 2026 legislative agenda, while noting that the High Court’s civil division has virtually no backlog. Benjamin urged lawyers to help educate the public on CCJ membership and said constitutional reform must combine judicial independence with public trust built on transparency, integrity and fairness.

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