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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