Head of Jamaica's appeal court named president of Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal

President of Jamaica’s Court of Appeal, Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, has been appointed President of the Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal (CSAT), becoming the first Jamaican to hold the top post.

Her one-year term begins on August 1, 2025, and will run alongside the final year of her second four-year term as a CSAT member.

The tribunal applies principles of international administrative law, excluding national laws of Commonwealth countries in employment-related cases.

While the role is primarily honorary and non-remunerative (it includes a supplementary annual gratuity), it is a recognition of Justice McDonald-Bishop’s "exemplary judicial service" in Jamaica and the Commonwealth, the judiciary said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The Judiciary of Jamaica takes great pride in Justice McDonald-Bishop’s continued international recognition and thanks her for her tireless dedication to the rule of law, justice, and good governance. Her appointment reflects not only her distinction but also the calibre of Jamaica’s judiciary on the global stage," it said.

Justice McDonald-Bishop’s appointment was made by the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat, following her nomination and selection by its Board of Governors.

She has been a member of the tribunal since August 2018, succeeding fellow Jamaican jurist and former Court of Appeal President, Justice (retired) Seymour Panton.

The CSAT, established in 1995, is an independent body tasked with resolving disputes involving the Commonwealth Secretariat and related institutions.

It hears cases brought by Secretariat staff, contractors, or the Secretariat itself relating to breaches of employment or service contracts. Under special provisions, it can also hear matters involving intergovernmental Commonwealth bodies.

Justice McDonald-Bishop is currently the only Caribbean national serving on the eight-member Tribunal. In her new role, she will preside over hearings, empanel judges, and ensure adherence to the rules and principles that guide the tribunal’s work.

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