Justice Persaud Heads to Commonwealth Judicial Conference

High Court Justice Gino Persaud is set to attend the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association (CMJA) Annual Conference in Kingston, Jamaica, where judicial officers from across the Commonwealth are examining issues affecting the administration of justice, judicial independence and the rule of law. Reports that his United States visa is “under review” have accompanied his travel arrangements, but Persaud remains expected to participate in the conference.

The conference runs from September 20–24, 2026, under the theme “Sustainable Justice: For Today, For Tomorrow, For All.” It brings together judges and magistrates from across the Commonwealth to examine issues affecting judicial independence, access to justice, accountability and the administration of justice. The CMJA says its objectives include strengthening understanding of judicial independence, increasing awareness of international law relating to access to justice, and facilitating professional exchange on judicial developments.

The conference agenda is broad and includes a keynote by Jamaica’s Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, a panel on data-driven justice and accountability, and another examining open justice versus privacy in the courts. Specialist sessions will address arbitral awards, military justice, the rights of children and parents, maritime and admiralty matters, and the role of lay magistrates.