What is the relationship between the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy?
A. The CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) is established by the Treaty of Chaguaramas as revised by nine protocols. The treaty, as revised, is to be interpreted and applied by the CCJ in the exercise of its original jurisdiction. Q. But how does this function of the CCJ impact on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy? A. By interpreting and applying the treaty which establishes the CSME, the CCJ will determine in a critical way how the CSME functions. The CSME creates an extensive range of rights and obligations for states parties to the treaty and, through these states parties, for community nationals. Q. Why must community nationals enjoy rights and discharge obligations through their states? Why cannot such nationals enjoy rights and discharge obligations without the intervention of their states of nationality? A. This is an important question which requires a clear and comprehensive response. Firstly, it must be borne in mind that treaties, like the Treaty of Chaguaramas, are
