The 8th Biennial Conference of the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO) took place from November 21st to 23rd, 2024, in Hamilton, Bermuda. The event, themed “Justice 360: Holistic Approaches to the Administration of Justice,” offered an in-depth exploration of critical judiciary topics, blending education, and collaborative discussions.
UIHJ was represented by Marc Schmitz, President, and Sue Collins, deputy-secretary of the board.
The program was thoughtfully structured to span two and a half days, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for participants. Sessions utilized diverse formats, including small group activities, panel discussions, lecturettes, and Q&A segments.
The first day began with an opening ceremony that celebrated Caribbean culture through a procession of flags and remarks from distinguished members of the judiciary. A highlight of the day was the feature presentation delivered by The Hon Mr. Justice Adrian Saunders, President of the CCJ, on the topic “Celebrating Caribbean Jurisprudence: Intersections between Law, Politics, and Society.” This was followed by breakout sessions addressing key topics such as judicial integrity and the role of judicial officers in addressing violence against women and girls. The day concluded with judicial forums focusing on civility, access to justice for self-represented litigants, and management challenges within the judiciary. In the evening, attendees enjoyed a warm reception at Camden House, the residence of Bermuda’s Prime Minister.
The second day focused on technology and judiciary management. A session on Artificial Intelligence in Caribbean Judiciaries explored the integration of AI tools, including a demonstration of legal research technology. Breakout sessions delved into managing conflict within the judiciary and ensuring adequate resources despite budgetary constraints. The day also included the CAJO Annual General Meeting, providing updates on organizational developments.
The final day began with a plenary on High-Profile Matters, examining strategies for managing public and media relations while maintaining public trust and confidence. The conference concluded with a formal closing ceremony, featuring the presentation of resolutions, tokens of appreciation, and the announcement of the next conference venue, which will be held in Guyana. Attendees then enjoyed a cultural lunch event at the Royal Naval Dockyard.
Overall, the conference highlighted the integration of holistic approaches into judiciary practices, focusing on emerging technology and judicial integrity. It fostered collaboration and the exchange of ideas, leaving participants enriched and inspired for the future of justice in the Caribbean.
