Caribbean News
JAMAICA: Investors will spend money in countries with first-class legal system says Chief Justice
Montego Bay, June 28, 2019 – Jamaica – Chief Justice, Hon. Bryan Sykes, says investors are constantly looking to spend their money in countries that have a first-class legal system, and mechanisms to settle disputes amicably.
Speaking at the Judiciary of Jamaica National Symposium in Falmouth, Trelawny, on June 26, Mr. Sykes said it is against this background that it is important there be a redoubling of efforts to meet the goal of having the best legal system in the region in three years, and being ranked amongst the best in the world in six years.
Mr. Sykes argued that in order to achieve these important milestones, the local courts must continue to be governed by international standards and adopt best practices.
“Increasingly, when persons are going to invest, what do they look at? They look at the legal system or the dispute-resolution mechanism,” Mr. Sykes noted, adding that Jamaica has all the tools to being that shining light in the region.
The Chief Justice said many First-World economies have been showing how beneficial it is to have a first-rate legal system, pointing to the United Kingdom as a classic example of a nation that has been reaping the economic rewards.
“Four years ago, it was measured at $25 billion and this was just for the provision of legal services. In other words, the legal system is a contributor to the gross national product (GDP). And how did it get there? It got there by establishing its reputation as an efficient, fair, balanced dispute resolution centre,” he said.
The Chief Justice said that it is his vison that Jamaica will “become that place”, adding that “there is no reason why we cannot become the dispute resolution centre for this region”.
Mr. Sykes added that Jamaicans should readily accept the reality that investors will not come to this country for the sake of being hospitable, but will do so because they are confident that the climate is such where they are comfortable in investing money that could have gone elsewhere.
“I am saying that a big part of that is having a legal system that will be fair and balanced and one that doesn’t take a lot of time to handle disputes,” he pointed out.
In the meantime, the Chief Justice said it is important to continue to place emphasis on hearing date certainty, noting that it remains a surefire way to reduce delays and clear backlogs, particularly in the Home Circuit Court.
Mr. Sykes said that it also remains one of several benchmarks that measure the efficiency of court operations and refer to the certainty that cases will begin on the scheduled date.
Contact: Garwin Davis
Release: JIS
Photos – Garwin Davis
Header: Chief Justice, Hon. Bryan Sykes (second right) and Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck (right), inspect items on display at one of the booths at the Judiciary of Jamaica National Symposium, held in Falmouth, Trelawny, on June 26.
Insert: Chief Justice, Hon. Bryan Sykes, addresses the Judiciary of Jamaica National Symposium, held in Falmouth, Trelawny, on June 26.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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