Tag Archives: judiciary

Nearly three months ago, in a column published on 5 September, I called on the Government to consider legislative options in the face of the Delta variant threat. I wrote as follows: ‘Given the low rate of vaccination, our population is wide open to death or hospitalisation from the Delta …

The swearing of an oath by our presidents is an expression of a specific intention to others. It is not limited to the moment when the person articulates the words. It commits to act in a certain way in the future.  This action is a deliberate exercise of one’s free …

Within the last two years, the world has had two pivotal moments: the arrival of Covid-19 and the development of the vaccine. The virus started small but has taken lives and wrecked economies, changing the way we live forever.  Even though ‘Operation Warp Speed’ delivered vaccines way ahead of schedule …

“[…] As any seasoned attorney would know, however, this is of the nature of errors for which provision is made in the rules for simple correction by the Registrar. This was done. “[…] To suggest any nefarious intent or conspiracy is to seek to undermine the independence of the judiciary …

“[…] We subscribe to a criminal justice system which is fair though not infallible. What the abolitionists must bear in mind is that if a man is really innocent, it is better that he be executed than be incarcerated for life; for that man—knowing he is innocent—would live a life …

Change is needed. Whether they are the right changes, fast changes or far enough changes, will always be a matter for debate.  However, what is certain is that the criminal justice system needs reform. And while it may be convenient to ascribe blame on one component of this integral system, …

The following press statement was issued by the Police Complaints Authority (PCA): The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) has initiated investigations into three recent and serious allegations against the Trinidad and Tobago Police. 1. An investigation has begun into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, of Andrew Morris and Joel Belcon on …

“[…] I am sure that I do not need to remind you chief justice that there is more to the management of cases than fixing timetables. First instance judges often have to remind litigants and lawyers of the significance of what we do. “A judge who refuses to defer to …

“[…] The Judiciary’s decision [concerning the filing of indictments by the Office of the DPP], taken unilaterally and without any prior warning or timely communication, to renege on the agreement which had been arrived at in good faith and which it was sought to maintain equity and fairness in the …

What a horrendous week! On Friday 18th, Dr Terrence Farrell, discussing the future of our economy, pointed to the need for disruption in the way the country’s business is done—using as an example BP’s strategic pivot  (‘bold, fraught with uncertainty, risky but highly socially responsible’).  He asked us a most …

Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi hailed an imminent judicial milestone for Trinidad and Tobago today as he said that virtual courtrooms are here to stay and will be the default method for ‘judge alone trials, bail hearings, remand sentences and charge matters’. The aforementioned legal matters, according to Al-Rawi, take up …

“Today marks an inflection point, a turning point, with how we treat with Covid-19,” said Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh at today’s press conference. “If we as a society heed the warnings of the prime minister, the minister of health, the chief medical officer, the commissioner of police, civil society; and …