Skip to playerSkip to main content
CCNTV6
  • 2 months ago
Trinidad and Tobago will have a new Chief Justice sometime during the new Law Term.

The present Chief Justice announced today that he will retire during the new Law Term but he has not given an exact date.

Juhel Browne reports.
Transcript
00:01Chief Justice is what I do. It's not who I am.
00:05Over the past two years, as I have approached the age of 65, I have seen my life journey with greater clarity and perspective.
00:15Chief Justice Ivoachi, speaking during the ceremonial opening of the 2025-2026 law term,
00:22as he said the office of the head of the judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago is a sacred baton held in trust for one's successor and the nation.
00:32I have decided to retire, not resign, retire, at a time of my own choosing, and not to wait until I reach the age of 70.
00:43There will always be unfinished business, no matter when I leave, but I have decided to retire during this term.
00:49So this will be my last speech.
00:53I have chosen to make this announcement now because I must be responsible in managing transition,
01:00especially after such a lengthy period in office, where the only leader most people in the judiciary knows me.
01:06A further announcement will be made closer to the time of my departure.
01:11Chief Justice Archie spoke during a law term opening ceremony that did not include the traditional church service and procession of judges,
01:18magistrates, magistrates, and attorneys to the Hall of Justice in Port of Spain.
01:23Mr. Archie recalled that when he was sworn in as Trinidad and Tobago's youngest Chief Justice in 2008,
01:31he had envisaged retiring at 65.
01:34In 2020, the retirement age for judges was increased from 65 to 70 during the former PNM administration.
01:42That same year, in 2020, the High Court dismissed a claim for judicial review by the Law Association against the then Prime Minister,
01:52Dr. Keith Rowley's decision not to invoke Section 137 impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice Archie.
02:00On Tuesday, the Chief Justice thanked his fellow judges, the staff at the judiciary, and his supporters.
02:07Most importantly, I would like to thank my wife and family for their unwavering love and support.
02:16The families of public figures suffer much more than we do.
02:21They suffer in silence for choices that we make.
02:24They give up the time and the attention that they are due and absorb the collateral damage from the slings and arrows that are aimed at us.
02:31This can be a cruel society, and I have no idea how I would have managed without them.
02:39As Chief Justice, Mr. Archie serves as President of the Court of Appeal of Trinidad and Tobago
02:44and Chairman of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission.
02:48At the right time, Her Excellency will choose a successor.
02:52Whoever that may be, I am confident that the judiciary will be in good hands
02:57because there is more than a critical mass of people who understand and are committed to our vision and mission
03:04and who share the ability and the commitment necessary to execute.
03:10The next Chief Justice will have my full support, but no unsolicited advice.
03:16Section 102 of the Constitution states that the Chief Justice shall be appointed by the President
03:22after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
03:26The Chief Justice will retire on a new salary which went up from $55,477 per month to $60,919 per month
03:37effective April 1, 2023 as part of salary increases for several top office holders
03:45in the Salary Review Commission's 120th report which was approved by the former PNM administration
03:51before the 2025 general election.
03:55The Express Newspaper is reporting that the Assembly of Southern Lawyers
03:58emphasized the importance of transparent and smooth management of the upcoming transition
04:04to the appointment of a new Chief Justice at some point during the new law term.
04:11Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:25Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:26Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:27Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:28Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:29Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:30Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:31Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:32Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:33Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:34Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:35Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:36Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:37Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:38Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:39Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:40Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:41Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:42Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:43Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:44Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:45Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
Be the first to comment
Add your comment