The Supreme Court was in recess today because Belize's Chief Justice Dr. Abdulai Conteh and his justices were hosting the President of the Central American Court of Justice. Dr. Ricardo Acevedo Peralta was in Belize to sign cooperation agreements between Belize's Supreme court and his court which is based in Salvador. Although Belize isn't a member of the court, as a part of SICA, we are bound by its decisions. Dr. Peralta described today's agreement as historic.
Dr. Ricardo Acevedo Peralta, President - CACJ
"It's a very important issue for us because Belize is a part of the Central American Integration System and the court is its main organ because all its rulings are binding for all the countries that are a part of the Central American regional system. So it is a very important and historical day today because Belizeans now can come to the court, not as official members, but they can participate in our seminars, in our discussions. So it is a very important opportunity for the Belizean judges and members of the court because now we have a relationship.
This is what we want, to have Belize as a part of Central America to be able to participate in all the decisions concerning the unification of the region. That is why we are here, to tell the judges of Belize that we are at their service, that we are looking forward to establishing a full relationship that will enable us to cooperate between us."
The Central American Court of Justice was established in 1907. There are six judges on the high court which does not deal with territorial disputes or human rights cases. Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras are currently members. Guatemala is expected to join the court shortly.
