Former Chief justice Satnarine Sharma has died.
Details of his death are not yet known, however, family members have confirmed that Sharma, who had been ailing for a while, died this morning.
During his tenure, Sharma was accused by former prime minister Patrick Manning of trying to intervene improperly in a trial of former prime minister Basdeo Panday.
Attorney General at the time, John Jeremie, subsequently wrote to the Judicial and Legal Service Commission calling for an investigation into the senior judicial figure.
Sharma was eventually exonerated after an international tribunal found that the case brought against him on a charge of judicial misconduct was weak.
Sharma served as CJ from 2002 until his resignation in 2008.
He was succeeded by Ivor Archie, who, in his inaugural address at the law term opening in 2008, had stated that former CJ Sharma had had a long and distinguished judicial career before the controversy began.
Sharma is also remembered as being a champion for the modernising of the magistracy, to bring justice into the 21st century.
Meanwhile, Chief Justice Ivor Archie has extended condolences on the passing of his immediate predecessor, former Chief Justice Satnarine Sharma.
In an official statement issued this morning, CJ Archie recalled several milestones achieved under former CJ Sharma, during his administration of the Judiciary.
Here is the full statement:
"The Judiciary of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago laments the passing of Retired Chief Justice Mr. Justice Satnarine Sharma T.C., C.M.T.
Mr Justice Sharma commenced his service with the Judiciary as a Judge of the High Court from 1984, and served as a Judge of the Court of Appeal from 1988. He was appointed Chief Justice on July 18, 2002, and retired from office on January 23, 2008.
His tenure was marked by a number of landmark decisions, the rollout of the new Civil Procedure Rules of the Supreme Court, the introduction of Audio Digital Court Reporting, the acquisition and refurbishment of a number of new judicial facilities and the introduction of the Family Court Project.
Former Chief Justice Mr. Justice Satnarine Sharma will be remembered for his administrative leadership and humility that endeared him to staff at all levels.
The Judiciary extends condolences to his family.
May his soul rest in peace."