Jamaica final court debate returns as 2026 World Cup opens in Mexico

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Delroy Chuck has renewed calls for Parliament to restart Jamaica’s constitutional reform process, including the question of whether the country should retain the UK-based Privy Council, adopt the Caribbean Court of Justice, or establish a Jamaican final appellate court.

Speaking during his sectoral debate presentation, Chuck said the Constitution Amendment Republic Bill 2024 had already been tabled to remove the monarch. He urged lawmakers, including the opposition, to resume discussions, saying Jamaica’s move to republic status should not be delayed. He also said the final court issue should go back to Jamaicans through further constitutional town hall meetings.

Chuck did not present the CCJ as the only route. He suggested Jamaica could consider a model similar to Hong Kong, with international and local judges sitting as a national final court. He also said CCJ judges could sit in Jamaica, but stressed that the institution should be Jamaican.

Attorney Lloyd McFarland argued that Jamaica should have left the Privy Council long ago and join the CCJ’s appellate jurisdiction, noting that Jamaica already participates in the court’s original jurisdiction and contributes financially to its operation. He said the CCJ has demonstrated strong judicial quality and questioned whether Jamaica has the resources to support a separate final court.

Attorney Abel Don Foot defended the Privy Council, saying its distance from Jamaica helps preserve independence and impartiality. He argued that the existing system works and cited cases where the UK-based court overturned local decisions.

The programme also turned to the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The expanded tournament features 48 teams, three host countries, the United States, Canada and Mexico, and 104 matches over 39 days. Mexico opened the competition at Estadio Azteca with a 2-0 win over South Africa, with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez. Three red cards were shown, the most ever in a World Cup opener.

Panelists Tyrone Marshall, Brent Sancho and Trishana McGowan said the tournament began strongly, though they raised concerns about off-field controversy linked to immigration issues and discussed whether VAR would affect the flow of matches. The panel also previewed upcoming fixtures involving Canada, the United States, Brazil, Argentina and England.