About
Mr. Justice H.E. Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona SC ORTT (Silk) is a former President of Trinidad and Tobago, internationally recognised judge, and accomplished senior counsel whose legal career has spanned national prosecution, international criminal justice, constitutional adjudication, and diplomatic leadership.
Before ascending to the Presidency, Mr. Justice Carmona served as a Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC), where he adjudicated some of the most significant cases concerning war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. Prior to that, he was an Appeals Counsel for the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunals for Yugoslavia (ICTY) and Rwanda (ICTR), successfully leading prosecutions in landmark appeals involving senior military and political figures.
Domestically, he rose through the ranks of Trinidad and Tobago’s criminal justice system, culminating in his appointment as a High Court Judge and, earlier, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions. He led several high-profile prosecutions, including the first successful corruption cases against judicial officers in the Commonwealth.
Throughout his career, Mr. Justice Carmona has been a tireless advocate for judicial reform, restorative justice, and youth empowerment. He is the architect of the “Bail Boys Project” — a pioneering restorative justice initiative targeting youth recidivism. He remains an influential voice in global forums on the rule of law, environmental justice, and human rights.
He has also been a principled defender of privacy rights and constitutional safeguards, frequently engaging in national and international forums on the rule of law, proportionality in state surveillance, and the legal limits of executive power.
Mr. Justice Carmona is a recipient of his nation’s highest honour, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and has been conferred honorary doctorates and international peace awards. His written and oral advocacy continues to shape public discourse and legal development across the Caribbean and beyond.
Practice Areas
- International Criminal Law
- Constitutional and Public Law
- Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
- Anti-Corruption and White Collar Crime
- Environmental and Climate Law
- International Law
- State Asset Recovery
- Privacy Council Appeals
- Criminal Defence and Appeals
Recent Cases & Highlights
International Criminal Tribunals
- Lead Appeals Counsel in Prosecutor v Kunarac et al, securing convictions for crimes of rape, torture, and enslavement (ICTY).
- Appeals Counsel in Prosecutor v Krnojelac and Kupreskic et al, involving crimes against humanity during the Bosnian conflict.
- Advised and argued numerous appeals concerning jurisdiction, procedure, and sentencing at ICTY and ICTR.
High Court & Public Prosecution (Trinidad & Tobago)
- Prosecuted landmark corruption cases against judicial officers (Patrick Jagessar, Farouk Ali), affirmed up to the Privy Council.
- Led constitutional and appellate cases on behalf of the State, including death penalty and extradition matters.
- Drafted national prosecutorial guidelines and legislation on money laundering, proceeds of crime, witness protection, and DNA.
As President of Trinidad & Tobago
- Appointed senior constitutional and judicial officeholders, chaired national awards, and delivered keynote addresses globally on peace, environment, and the rule of law.
- Advocated for the creation of an International Environmental Court and led Trinidad and Tobago’s international conscience campaign at the UN.
Qualifications
- Called to the Bar – Trinidad and Tobago
- Senior Counsel (SC) – 2002
- Certificate of Legal Education (LEC) – Hugh Wooding Law School
- LLB (Hons) – University of the West Indies, Cave Hill
- BA (Hons) English, International Politics & Law – University of the West Indies, Mona
- Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD Honoris Causa) – UWI St Augustine (2014)
Memberships & Appointments
- Former President of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago (2013–2018)
- Judge, International Criminal Court (2011–2013)
- Chancellor, University of Trinidad and Tobago (2013–2018)
- Member, Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association
- Fellow, Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL)
- Member, United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Working Groups
- Patron and adviser to multiple regional and international legal and humanitarian organisations