Response to Statements by the Honourable Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Keith Rowley
November 10, 2011
20 KbMEDIA RELEASE
Immediate: November 10, 2011
The Judiciary of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago notes with grave concern certain statements attributed to the Honourable Leader of the Opposition, Dr Keith Rowley, and publicised in the national media relative to the Judgement delivered by Mr Justice Ronnie Boodhoosingh during a sitting of the Supreme Court on Monday 8th November 2011, against the extradition to the United States of defendants, Mr Steve Ferguson and Mr Ishwar Galbaransingh to face trial in that jurisdiction
In particular, the Guardian Newspaper of November 9, 2011 reported on the matter at hand as follows: "Rowley said it was (Anand) Ramlogan (the Honourable Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago) who "facilitated the whole process...so having got the expected result, I wouldn't call it a defeat." Rowley also said he found the "intervention to be very timely." Questioned further on the matter, Rowley said the matter was before the Court for a long time and "persons made political commitments about it and delivered."
Since there has not been any denial of the above report to date by Dr Rowley, one can only conclude that the contents, including the direct assertions, are accurate, and it is in this context that the Judiciary expresses its abhorrence of the innuendos by the leader of the Opposition of collusion between the Judge and by extension, the Judiciary, and the Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago in the decision which was arrived at and handed down in the Court.
The Judiciary respects the right of every citizen to express disagreement with and even criticise the rulings of the Courts. However, the imputations of motive and even wrongdoing on the part of the Judge in Dr Rowley's statements are not only outside of the bounds of respect and objectivity that should attend the exercise of those rights, but also represent an unwarranted and unjustified attack on the Judge and are additionally potentially injurious to the administration of Justice in Trinidad and Tobago. This is even more disturbing when such comments emanate from an official who is pledged to uphold the constitution and the laws of the country.
The Judiciary wishes to assure the citizens of the continuing commitment of the institution and its Judges to a fiercely independent judicial system in Trinidad and Tobago and will not be sidetracked from this mission by unfortunate statements such as those by the leader of the Opposition on Monday.
For further information kindly contact:
Jones P. Madeira
Court Protocol and Information Manager
Telephone: (Office Direct): 627 9744
(Mobile) : 473 8158
E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it