Belize clears way for CCJ

The Belize senate was expected to approve legislation allowing the country to adopt the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as its final appellate body, when it met yesterday.

Lawmakers approved the Seventh Amendment to the Constitution last Friday, allowing the country to replace the London-based Privy Council with the CCJ.

If approved, Belize will become the third Caricom member state to adopt the CCJ both in its original jurisdiction and a final court of appeal.

Barbados and Guyana are the only other Caricom states to recognise the court in its criminal appellate jurisdiction, since its launch in 2005.
Grenada clears the air on Mr Vegas

The Grenada government has been explaining the government’s reasons for denying a work permit to Jamaican dancehall artiste, Mr Vegas.

Mr Vegas, whose real name is Clifford Smith, was scheduled to perform in St George’s on Saturday, but did not receive permission from the government.

Labour Minister Karl Hood says while the ministry has no difficulty with regional performers coming to the island, they need to follow proper procedures.

Mr Hood said that some promoters have continued with last minute requests for work permits, even though they have been advertising their events for months.

“We will not therefore be responsible for promoters who are denied permits based on their compliance with our procedures,” Mr Hood said.