Former Caribbean Courtroom of Justice (CCJ) decide, Justice Jacob Wit, has handed away.
The CCJ confirmed the information in a media launch issued immediately.
The 71-year-old Justice Wit, who had lately retired from his place on the CCJ on account of declining well being, leaves behind a legacy of authorized experience and dedication to the Caribbean judicial system.
A distinguished profession on the CCJ
Justice Wit’s affiliation with the CCJ dates again to its inception in 2005 when he served as an inaugural member of the bench.
His dedication to the court docket spanned nearly twenty years, culminating in his retirement in December 2023.
All through his illustrious profession, Justice Wit showcased a formidable breadth of authorized data, encompassing personal regulation, business and admiralty regulation, insurance coverage, chapter and insolvency, firm regulation and mental property, prison regulation, army regulation, administrative regulation, constitutional regulation, and worldwide human rights regulation. His multifaceted experience made him a invaluable asset to the CCJ.
Tributes pour in
CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders, expressed deep sorrow on the passing of his colleague, remarking, “It’s a unhappy day for the Courtroom. Justice Wit and I labored collectively since 2005 after we shaped a part of the inaugural Bench of the Courtroom. He was the lone Civil Legislation Decide on the present CCJ Bench with wealthy expertise in army regulation, administrative regulation, constitutional regulation, and worldwide human rights regulation.”
Justice Saunders continued to spotlight Justice Wit’s vital contributions, reminiscent of his involvement with the CCJ Academy for Legislation and his pivotal position in coordinating the Academy’s most up-to-date Biennial Convention and Regional City Corridor, which targeted on crime and regional prison justice reform.
A storied authorized journey
Justice Wit’s authorized profession prolonged past his position on the CCJ.
Earlier than becoming a member of the CCJ, he adjudicated over circumstances in Curaçao, the Netherlands Antilles, and the Dutch Windward Islands of Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. He additionally held the esteemed place of Rating Member of the CCJ Academy for Legislation and served because the President of the Constitutional Courtroom of Saint Maarten, albeit on a part-time foundation.
In recognition of his long-standing dedication and efficient contributions to upholding public belief within the judiciary, Justice Wit was awarded the distinguished Nederlandse Juristen Vereniging Award in 2020.
