2 days ago
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Senior Reporter
Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh has pledged to lead a judiciary that is more efficient, accessible, and collaborative, outlining a clear vision for his tenure.
He made the remarks during his address at the Law Association of T&T’s (LATT) annual dinner and awards ceremony on Friday evening.
Boodoosingh identified three key priorities: reopening court facilities, reducing case delays, and strengthening collaboration with the legal profession.
He emphasised the urgent need to reopen and maximise the use of court buildings that have been closed for extended periods, noting that while technology has improved access, “justice must include human interaction.”
The Chief Justice also pledged to create a high-performing judiciary that delivers value for money by reducing timelines for hearings and judgments so that citizens receive decisions “within a reasonable time.”
“Timelines for hearing and the fair determination of cases must be reduced, and standards firmly adopted. Citizens have the right to expect the hearing of their cases and delivery of decisions in a fair manner within a reasonable time,” Boodoosingh said.
A collaborative approach to leadership was another priority. Boodoosingh assured judicial officers, court staff, and the Law Association that he would consult widely on major decisions.
“This includes judicial officers and stakeholders, a key one being the Law Association. We may not always agree, but I promise to listen and work through issues as they arise, positively transforming the judiciary. The judiciary is only as strong as the bar. It is from the bar that our members come, and on the bar we depend for support, ideas, and sustenance.”
He highlighted specific plans to improve court access, noting that the Court of Appeal will resume sitting as a single panel at the Hall of Justice in the new year, freeing space at the Waterfront Judicial Centre for the Family Court, which has faced severe accommodation challenges. Boodoosingh also revealed plans to restore the Supreme Court in San Fernando, with hopes of reopening by the end of 2026.
Access to justice, particularly for young lawyers and the public, remains a priority. The Chief Justice stressed that open courtrooms are essential for professional development and transparency. While acknowledging that Magistrates’ Courts require significant attention, he indicated that detailed initiatives for those courts would be addressed at a later date.
Boodoosingh also expressed optimism about collaborating with the Law Association on continuing education programs for both the bar and the bench, emphasising professional development.
LATT President and Senior Counsel Lynette Seebaran-Suite, who also addressed the audience, highlighted the unprecedented pressures faced by bar associations globally, citing political attacks on the American Bar Association and the persecution of Istanbul Bar Association leaders. She noted challenges faced by lawyers across Africa, including Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Sudan, and Uganda, some of whom she met at the Commonwealth Lawyers Association meeting in Malta.
Against this international backdrop, Seebaran-Suite expressed gratitude that T&T’s legal community remains able to operate freely despite occasional public criticism.
Now in her third year leading the association, she described the annual dinner as a moment to pause, reconnect, and honour members whose decades of service have shaped the national legal landscape. Among the honorees was Justice Rolston Nelson SC, a retired judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), recognised alongside several peers for nearly fifty years of distinguished practice.
English (US) ·