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  • 4 weeks ago
This country's ninth Chief Justice took his oath of office today, succeeding Ivor Archie, who officially retired on Wednesday.

The newly appointed Chief Justice, Ronnie Boodoosingh says he looks forward to meeting with members of the Judiciary in the coming days.
Transcript
00:00This country's ninth Chief Justice took his oath of office to D, succeeding Ivar Achi, who officially retired on Wednesday.
00:08The newly appointed Chief Justice, Rani Budu Singh, says he looks forward to meeting with members of the judiciary in the coming days.
00:16On the day Ivar Achi retired as the Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago,
00:20Justice Rani Budu Singh took the oath of office as the new Chief Justice at President's House.
00:26I wish to assure the members of the national community of my commitment to Trinidad and Tobago
00:34to ensuring that I perform the functions of the Chief Justice to the best of my ability.
00:43I wish to give you my commitment of hard work, of dedication to duty,
00:51and that through it all I will try to walk humbly.
00:56It was only just one day earlier that Mr. Achi announced that he indicated to Acting President Wade Mark
01:03that he would be retiring as Chief Justice on Wednesday.
01:06The battle has been passed with dignity and that the judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago continues to stand on firm and steady ground.
01:28Senate President Wade Mark has been the Acting Head of State in the absence of President Christine Kangaloo, who is out of the country.
01:35Section 102 of the Constitution states the Chief Justice shall be appointed by the President
01:41after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
01:46The Express newspaper has reported that Opposition Leader Penelope Beckels had formally called on the Acting President
01:52to stop any attempt to appoint a substantive Chief Justice,
01:57citing constitutional requirements for consultation and proper procedure.
02:01Prime Minister Kamala Pasad-Bissessa said in a statement that the government extends its congratulations to Chief Justice Budu Singh
02:09and noted that he brings to this esteemed office an illustrious legal career spanning more than three decades,
02:15defined by excellence, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
02:20So I thank you very much for the confidence today, Your Excellency.
02:28And in the next coming days, I look forward to meeting with members of the judiciary.
02:37And at an appropriate time in the future, I will communicate, not too long from now,
02:43I will communicate again with the national community through the media.
02:51The live broadcast was carried by state media, who were the only media allowed inside President's House for the ceremony,
02:58during which Trinidad and Tobago's ninth Chief Justice paid tribute to Trinidad and Tobago's eighth Chief Justice.
03:05I would also like to express the deepest gratitude of our nation to outgoing Chief Justice Ivor Archie.
03:18He has made a significant contribution to the judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago,
03:27both in terms of the scholarship of his judgments and the leadership he has offered to the judiciary.
03:35He has done so, a tremendous personal sacrifice to himself.
03:42Chief Justice Buddha Singh said retired Chief Justice Archie brought many changes to the judiciary over the past 18 years.
03:49At an appropriate time, the judiciary will recognize the contribution of our outgoing Chief Justice.
03:59And as the new Chief Justice acknowledged the support of his wife and daughter,
04:02he also paid tribute to the wife and children of retired Chief Justice Archie.
04:07Among those who were in attendance for the swearing-in of the new Chief Justice
04:10were Attorney General John Jeremy and Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander.
04:15Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
04:18The TV6 People Meter, brought to you by XL Health TT, the official supplements of the CPS.
04:24Tonight, we're asking you, are you optimistic about the appointment of Ronnie Boodoo Singh as the new Chief Justice?
04:33To vote, text yes or no to the number 766-4886 or 766-4TV6.
04:39We'll have the results for you at the end of this newscast.
04:42A short while ago, TV6 News obtained a copy of a letter written by Prime Minister Kamala Passat-Bissessa
04:51to Acting President Wade Mark regarding Section 102 of the Constitution.
04:57The section states,
04:58The Chief Justice shall be appointed by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister
05:03and the leader of the opposition.
05:06In her letter, Prime Minister Passat-Bissessa wrote to the Acting President,
05:10I refer to your letter, dated October 22, 2025, on the matter captioned.
05:16I agree that Your Excellency should select a judge from the Court of Appeal Bench
05:21to replace Chief Justice Ivorachi.
05:24I have no preference.
05:26End of quote.
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