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.
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04:38Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
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04:42Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
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04:44Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:45Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
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