The leader of government business in the House of Representatives told Parliament Friday the naysayers should hold their tongue until they see the proposed legislation.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced in Parlaiament on Wednesday that the government would begin the process to make the change from the Privy Council to the CCJ.
Read the story: T&T begins process to make CCJ final court of appeal in criminal matters
Opposition Leader and some other critics have said the move is flawed. However, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan on Thursday knocked down the objections, saying there is enough precedent in the commonwealth for the change to take place.
Moonilal agreed with the AG and said the change will require a constitutional amendment.
"When the time comes, very shortly, we may or may not taking the matters of Constitutional appeal and criminal appeals, particularly capital offense homicide, murder, taking those appeals to the Caribbean Court of Justice. Mr. Speaker, a Constitutional amendment is all that is required."
He added: "So all those people who jump up and say: 'This wouldn't do anything', they haven't seen the legislation yet. This is the approach we would consider."
He also noted some of the endorsements from prominent people including Sir David Simmons SC, who is one of the architects of the CCJ. Sir David called the proposal by government an appropriate 72nd brithday gift. Moonilal said: "That is endorsement!"
He also noted the positive reaction from acting Chief Justice Wendell Kangaloo, the president of the Law Association and the Bar Association as well as other prominent attorneys as well as the Leader of Opposition.
Moonilal said he expects the Opposition would remain true to its word and support the legislation.
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