00:00Senior Counsel and former Attorney General Ramesh Lawrence-Moraj has weighed in on the appointment of Justice Rony Budu Singh as the 9th Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago on October 22nd.
00:11I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to Justice of Appeal, Rony Budu Singh, on his appointment as the Chief Justice of our country.
00:22The consultation process for the appointment of a Chief Justice is of great constitutional importance as it is crucial to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process of a Chief Justice.
00:40Section 102 of the Constitution states the Chief Justice shall be appointed by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
00:49I recognise that there have been arguments both for and against the consultation process which was held in respect of disappointment.
01:01I have noted those arguments with respect, but it is clear that Justice of Appeal Budu Singh is eminently qualified, deserving and suitable for the role of Chief Justice of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
01:24Senior Counsel Maraj spoke of the tenure of the now retired Chief Justice.
01:28There can be no doubt, however, that the former Chief Justice, Mr Ivor Archie, made significant contributions to the administration of justice in Trinidad and Tobago.
01:41We must, however, recognise that there have been serious problems and challenges facing the administration of justice in our country.
01:52The Senior Counsel said those challenges have intensified in recent years and must be addressed urgently.
02:00As 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 within the system and also for him to strengthen the administration of justice.
02:22Senior Counsel Maraj also said Justice Budu Singh's appointment as the head of the judiciary, quote, offers an opportunity for the much-needed change to the administration of justice, end quote.
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