Prime Minister Patrick Manning raised constitutional issues this week during his damage control foray into Tobago following his verbal battle with Tobago-born Keith Rowley. At a political meeting on Roxborough the leader of the People's National Movement (PNM) assured supporters that a justice ministry that is proposed in the latest draft constitution poses no threat to the independence of the Judiciary.
Chief Justice Ivor Archie that the proposal for a Justice Ministry contained in the latest draft Constitution posed the potential to reduce the judiciary's independence.
"In fact, we believe that to have a properly-regulated and working society, you must have a strong and independent Judiciary, which must be able to do all that it requires," Manning said.
"Contrary to the view of some, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has no intention to encroach on the judiciary and its independence. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has no intention to pay any disrespect to the rule of law," the prime minister explained.
Manning said no decision will be made on the issue without discussions with the main stakeholders in the judicial arm of the state. However, he said it is best for the executive arm to handle some aspects of the administration of justice, including such things as infrastructure. He said discussions with the Judiciary would determine areas of responsibility for the proposed justice ministry.
"In other words for the first time we are seeking to give constitutional and legal guarantees to ensure that no "over-enthusiastic" executive by way of its over enthusiasm can encroach on the Judiciary," Manning said.
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