Former AG urges public support for new CJ

Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj -

FORMER Attorney General Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, SC, has congratulated newly-appointed Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, urging the Judiciary to use this transition as an opportunity to rebuild public confidence in the justice system.

In a statement on October 29, Maharaj described Justice Boodoosingh as “eminently qualified, deserving and suitable” for the country’s highest judicial office. He highlighted his “dedication to duty, integrity, commitment to the independence of the Judiciary and the rule of law.”

“The appointment of Justice of Appeal Ronnie Boodoosingh offers an opportunity for the much-needed change to the administration of justice,” Maharaj said. He added that Boodoosingh’s “calmness, patience and fairness” are vital qualities for leading the Judiciary through what he called “serious challenges” facing the justice system.

While acknowledging debates surrounding the consultation process that preceded the appointment, Maharaj said he respected differing views but emphasised the process’s constitutional importance. “It is crucial to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection of a Chief Justice,” he said. “The consultation process also promotes the independence of the Judiciary and strengthens public confidence in the administration of justice.”

Maharaj also recognised the contributions of former Chief Justice Ivor Archie, stating that despite his service, the justice system has struggled in recent years and requires “urgent action” to restore credibility.

“Those challenges have intensified in recent years. Those challenges must be addressed and redressed urgently; urgent action is therefore required to restore public confidence in the administration of justice.”

Maharaj added, “It must be remembered that our courts are the guardians of the rights of the people.

“It must be remembered that our courts are the guardians of the rights of the people.

“It is the responsibility of the courts to facilitate the members of the public for the members of the public to get access to justice according to the law.

“As we move forward, I respectfully encourage the public to give their full support to the present Chief Justice in his efforts to address and redress these serious challenges,” Maharaj said.

“Our courts are the guardians of the rights of the people. Justice according to law cannot be rationed, otherwise the people would be denied access to justice.”

Last week, Senior Counsel Martin Daly criticised the appointment process of Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh as Chief Justice.

He said it was “poorly handled” and was “lacking transparency.” Daly said that while he supported Boodoosingh’s elevation, the secrecy surrounding the procedure weakened public trust in the judiciary and governance systems.

In a radio interview on i95.5 FM, Daly said the controversy detracted from Boodoosingh’s merit. “It is unfortunate that the focus is being taken away from his worthiness, but I understand we have to discuss the botched process,” he said.

Boodoosingh was sworn in on October 22 by acting President Wade Mark. The ceremony occurred less than a day after former Chief Justice Ivor Archie announced his retirement.

Daly questioned the abrupt transition, noting that Archie had previously been approved to travel abroad in November. He suggested that the lack of explanation “will start the conspiracy theorists talking.” He criticised the consultation process between Mark and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, calling it rushed and incomplete. “You can’t give a blank check to any one of the members of the Court of Appeal,” Daly said. “Why not say at the outset, openly, that Justice Boodoosingh is the person we are intending to appoint, and what do you have to say about that?” He said the process was “illegitimate.”

While Daly stopped short of calling the process prearranged, he said it appeared orchestrated. “The pressure must remain on the acting president and the former chief justice to explain what took place behind the scenes,” he said, adding he doubted the public would receive a full account.

Also congratulating Chief Justice Boodoosingh was attorney Yaseen Ahmed, who sat in the same classroom with him between 1980 to 1987 and again at the University of the West Indies and the Hugh Wooding Law School.

“I can certainly vouch for his high level of integrity, his consistency in academic performance and his service to the wider audience. His tenure as a judge of the High Court was “always impressive.”

“Therefore, his appointment to lead was impeccably made."