Senior Reporter
jesse.ramdeo@cnc3.co.tt
Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi has firmly dismissed claims that Chief Justice Ivor Archie was pressured by the Government to retire.
During Tuesday’s opening ceremony of the new law term, Archie announced that he will step down after 17 years leading T&T’s judiciary.
Speaking to Guardian Media outside Parliament yesterday, Al-Rawi, who previously served as Attorney General under the People’s National Movement (PNM) administration, said he believes the Chief Justice’s decision to retire was entirely his own.
“I can’t say that I would be inclined to that point of view. Even if there was, he is not the type to take that on. This is one occasion I am not going to say the Government went on any frolic to push him out. I think it is a genuine case of retirement. It has been a long tenure, and I wish him very well,” he said.
Despite often-polarised public opinion surrounding Archie, Al-Rawi maintained that the Government had not orchestrated any attempts to force his departure.
He described his personal relationship with the outgoing Chief Justice as “positive.”
“My experience with the Chief Justice, as someone who fundamentally reformed the administration of justice, is a positive one. I’d like to publicly commend the Chief Justice for what I witnessed he did during his tenure. Even though I passed laws, I couldn’t have done it without a willing Chief Justice and judiciary,” he added.
Al-Rawi also acknowledged the considerable pressures Archie faced throughout his career, noting the CJ “stood in the face of heavy criticisms” during his time in office.
