Barbados is the first CARICOM country to have gender protocols developed for its judiciary system.
Word of this came from John Furlonge, regional project co-ordinator for the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers through the Judicial Reform and Institutional Strengthening (JURIST) Project as he spoke during the Handing-Over Ceremony, which was held at the UN House in Marine Gardens yesterday evening. The JURIST Project partnered with regional judiciaries, led by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and the Government of Canada/Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, to support the increased efficacy of courts and the judiciary to resolve cases effectively and fairly in the Caribbean region.
Highlighting that yesterday’s handing-over ceremony fell within the cross-cutting theme of gender equality, Furlonge formally commended the judiciary for their continued progress towards addressing gender-related issues in Barbados.
He revealed that “the sustainability of judicial reforms throughout the region will continue to be a key aspect in our decision-making”, and explained that while their mandate was regional in scope, their intent is to measure the success, identify best practices and encourage other countries to implement those reforms.
“We recognise that one size doesn’t fit all, and any initiative will be tailored to meet the unique circumstances in each judiciary,” he said.
Furlonge revealed that the Draft Gender Equality Protocols will now be reviewed, circulated and ultimately finalised by or before the end of September 2017 and mentioned that this will be undertaken by the Local Implementation Committee that has been established in Barbados and will work closely with the JURIST Project. He added that the Committee is also central to the organisation and participation of gender sensitisation training within the Judiciary and Magistracy of Barbados.
He noted that there is much work for the JURIST Project to do, but noted that they will continue to partner and support wherever possible. He highlighted that they entered an agreement with UN Women to ensure the integration of key gender equality principles in the implementation of the JURIST Project. Furlonge went on to reveal that the JURIST Project has partnered with the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers as well.