Caribbean
Court of Justice One People. One Region. One Court.

Jurisdictions · One Court, two roles

Original Jurisdiction

As an international court, the CCJ interprets and applies the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas — the agreement that established CARICOM and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy — and decides disputes arising under it, for all 12 CSME Member States.

Search treaty decisions Who can access it

Overview

In its Original Jurisdiction, the CCJ functions as an international court with exclusive jurisdiction to interpret and apply the rules of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. This role is unique to the CCJ and central to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Unlike the Appellate Jurisdiction, the Original Jurisdiction is not something a country chooses to adopt — it applies to all Member States that belong to the CSME by virtue of their treaty obligations.

In plain terms: the Original Jurisdiction is how the rules of the Caribbean Community are interpreted and enforced — protecting the rights that the Treaty gives to governments, businesses, and citizens across the region.

Why it matters for regional integration

  • One consistent interpretation of Community rules across all Member States.
  • Protects CSME rights — free movement of people, goods, services, and capital.
  • Settles disputes between Member States and Community organs lawfully and peacefully.
  • Gives the single market certainty that businesses and investors can rely on.

Who can access it

Member States

States may bring or be brought before the Court in disputes under the Treaty.

Community organs

Organs and bodies of CARICOM may be parties in matters concerning the Treaty.

Nationals & businesses

With special leave of the Court, individuals and enterprises may bring proceedings where a Treaty right applies to them.

How a matter reaches the Court

A Treaty question arises

A dispute or question of interpretation arises under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

Referral or special leave

A Member State or organ refers the matter, or a national applies for special leave to bring proceedings.

Hearing

The Court hears the parties, sitting as an international tribunal, often with submissions on Community law.

Binding judgment

The Court delivers a judgment that is binding and authoritative on the interpretation of the Treaty.

The Court may also give advisory opinions on questions concerning the interpretation of the Treaty when requested by Member States or the Community.

CSME Member States

All 12 Member States of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy can access the Court's Original Jurisdiction:

Antigua & Barbuda Barbados Belize Dominica Grenada Guyana Jamaica Saint Kitts & Nevis Saint Lucia St Vincent & the Grenadines Suriname Trinidad & Tobago

Key Original Jurisdiction decisions

Shanique Myrie v. The State of Barbados
Free movement & hassle-free travel of CARICOM nationalsOriginal Rudisa Beverages v. The State of Guyana
Discriminatory charges on the free movement of goodsOriginal Trinidad Cement Ltd v. The Caribbean Community
Access of enterprises to the Original JurisdictionOriginal

Browse all Original Jurisdiction judgments

Common questions

How is this different from the Appellate Jurisdiction?
The Original Jurisdiction is the Court acting as an international court on Treaty matters for all CSME states. The Appellate Jurisdiction is the Court acting as the final court of appeal for the states that have adopted it. The CCJ is, in effect, two courts in one.
Can an ordinary citizen bring a case?
Yes, in defined circumstances. Nationals and businesses may apply for special leave to bring proceedings where they can show that a right under the Treaty applies to them.
Does this apply to my country?
If your country is one of the 12 CSME Member States, its government, businesses, and citizens can access the Original Jurisdiction.
What is the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas?
It is the agreement that established the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. The CCJ has exclusive jurisdiction to interpret and apply it.