KINGSTON, Jamaica - ON October 4, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) handed down its ruling in the case of Ms Shanique Myrie against the Government of Barbados for being denied entry, being physically abused, and deported to Jamaica in March 2011.
Ms Myrie sued the Government of Barbados and was awarded BD$77,240 and the refund of her medical expenses, airline ticket and reasonable legal expenses. The decision demonstrates that the CCJ, even in its infancy, can help to protect the rights of citizens of Caricom countries.
This outcome is a far more effective form of redress than the usual diplomatic protest which follows abuse of authority by immigration officers of their Caricom brothers and sisters. It is also a shot across the bow of governments that tolerate this type of outrageous conduct