Barbara Gayle, Justice Coordinator

The Jamaica Conference Centre is the venue chosen for the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to sit next week to hear the Shanique Myrie case.

Myrie, a Jamaican, has taken the Barbadian government to the CCJ on allegations that she was assaulted by an immigration officer last year.

Myrie's lawyer, Michelle Brown, asked for the first part of the trial to be held in Jamaica because it would be too costly for Jamaican witnesses to travel to Barbados and Trinidad.

The second part of the hearing will be from March 18-22 in Barbados. The lawyers representing the parties will make oral submissions in Trinidad from April 8-9.

Myrie has accused Barbadian border officials of assaulting her during a cavity search at the Grantley Adams International Airport on March 14 last year.

She also claims that she was subjected to forceful and brutish language by airport officials on her arrival.

Myrie wants the CCJ to determine the minimum standard of treatment to be given to CARICOM nationals moving within the region under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and its goal of hassle-free travel.

The Jamaican Govern-ment has been granted leave to join the proceedings. The Govern-ment says its decision is aimed at protecting the interest of Jamaicans.

Last April, legal costs were awarded to Myrie after the Barbadian government conceded that she had a case.

barbara.gayle@gleanerjm.com