Shanique Myrie Sues Barbados

BRIDGETOWN,Barbados -- Shanique Myrie, the Jamaican woman who last March claimed that she was finger raped by officials at the Barbados Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA), will be taking the Barbados government to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), through the law firm of Hylton and Brown.

The law firm, in a press release, said this is the first case of its kind that will be filed in the CCJ in its original jurisdiction.

"The critical issue for determination is: What is the minimum standard of treatment to be given to CARICOM nationals moving within the region under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and its goal of hassle free travel," the release said.

"After obtaining leave of the Government of Jamaica, this firm also attempted to engage the Barbadian Government in discussions, but to no avail. Ms. Myrie was therefore left with no recourse but to bring an action before the CCJ to have the important issues raised adjudicated," the release said.

Some observers have been wondering if the CCJ will be under pressure in offering a judgment in this case, as Jamaicans might use the outcome of this case to determine if the court should be its final appeal court, but this is silly right?

Last Thursday, during her swearing-in ceremony, Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller promised to remove the judicial committee of the privy council as Jamaica's final court of appeal. The question is how would a decision from the CCJ which isn't in favour of most Jamaicans affect this decision, which at this point seems clear-cut.