APNU challenges the integrity of the Chief Justice

Dec 21, 2012 Letters

The PPP/Civic Administration views with deep concern the recent proclivity of the Joint Opposition, both in and out of Parliament, of making statements that, expressly and by implication, constitute an attack on the integrity and independence of the Judiciary.
Further, it is the view of the Administration that these statements by their expressed language and tenor are designed to pit the Executive against the Judiciary. Frequent references are made of the Government’s resort to the Judiciary for redress against flagrant violations of the Constitution by the Joint Opposition in the National Assembly.
The government’s exercise of this democratic right and constitutional freedom is, irrationally, viewed by the Opposition as an attempt by the Administration to wage “war” against Legislature.
The latest statement issued by the Alliance For Change published on the 18th December, 2012, must be viewed against this politically inspired backdrop. This statement, in effect, blames the Administration for the non- appointment of office holders to the positions of Chancellor and Chief Justice, respectively. The statement further insinuates that the Government is deliberately perpetuating such state of affairs in order to derive, presumably, favourable rulings from these office holders. Its falsity apart, this insipid insinuation constitutes a most callous assault on the integrity and reputation of two distinguished jurists of this land who have served their country with distinction.
Additionally, the AFC, whose leadership consists of several lawyers, fully well knows that the persons who are acting in those two offices are, substantively, the Chief Justice of the country and a Justice of Appeal and therefore they currently enjoy the most impregnable security of tenure that the Constitution offers by virtue of those substantive appointments.
Significantly, the makers of this statement, either by design or because of unfamiliarity with the issue, omit to acknowledge the documented efforts of both former President Bharrat Jagdeo and His Excellency President Donald Ramotar to secure the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition, as is constitutionally required, to fill these vacancies.
Unfortunately, these efforts were futile. The Administration remains hopeful that an agreement can be realized earliest. In fact, the Administration urges the AFC to focus their attention on encouraging the Leader of the Opposition to respond to the President‘s overtures to fill these vacancies.
The AFC’s contentions are therefore, characteristically, devoid of any merit.
The Administration further regards as an outrage, the bizarre allegation of the AFC that it has declared “war” against the Legislature. Ours is a position which is founded in principle. The Administration will challenge all or any violations of the Constitution or onslaught of the rule of law whenever it occurs and whoever is the perpetrator.
It is our democratic right to do so and indeed, a devolved constitutional duty, from which we will not shirk. In this regard, the National Assembly enjoys no exemption either in logic or law.
Finally, the Administration does not discount the possibility that this statement is a veiled attempt by the AFC to intimidate the Honourable Chief Justice, who currently, has conduct of a matter filed by the Attorney-General challenging the Opposition’s actions in the National Assembly which resulted in the Speaker prohibiting the Minister of Home Affairs and an elected member of the National Assembly, Mr. Clement Rohee, from discharging his duties in the House.
The Administration intends to vigilantly monitor and expose this new AFC’s political strategy of judicial intimidation.
Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall MP
Attorney General,
Minister of Legal Affairs.

Latest News

APNU challenges the integrity of the Chief Justice

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 17th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

NSC, Office of the DPP to host Criminal Law and Sexual Offences Act...

Lucas Chung maintains strong standing at 2nd...

Farm Supplies Ltd. supports Bartica Regatta 2025

Legislation and Investment: Trinidad to Brazil,...

Three more matches billed for this weekend

CM Khan rules at 2025 National Blitz Chess...

Features/Columnists

“One Guyana” is no less a national slogan than “Green Guyana”

If Guyana’s President Ali is the “Zelensky of the Caribbean”, who is the Putin?

Partner v. investor

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

APNU challenges the integrity of the Chief Justice

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 17th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]