Attorney General Anand Ramlogan has a good working relationship with Chief Justice Ivor Archie and both men respect each other.Ramlogan made that clear Wednesday when he addressed the Senate in his budget presentation.
“Among the first duties I performed as AG was to arrange a meeting with the Honourable Chief Justice and the Honourable Prime Minister.
“Prior to my appointment as AG, I publicly supported the appointment of Mr Ivor Archie as CJ. That is a matter of public record."
He added, "I expressed my admiration for his fairness and sense of balance and his down–to-earth manner.”
The AG said as a lawyer in private practice he appeared before the CJ in numerous matters in the Court of Appeal and developed a good working relationship with him.
“I won matters and lost matters. I had judgments from his court reversed and upheld by the Privy Council. The CJ and I hold a mutual respect for each other and the offices that we hold.
“I enjoy an excellent professional relationship with him and wish to assure the nation that relationship will continue and the separation of powers will be observed by this AG.”
Ramlogan added: “The Prime Minister has made it clear that no one will be allowed to trespass on the turf that properly belongs to the Judiciary. The lines of demarcation are clear and will be deepened and strengthened as we partner with the CJ to improve the administration of justice.
“This can and will be done responsibly, transparently and without sacrificing the overriding principle of accountability to the people,” Ramlogan said.
Ramlogan didn't not say anything about the Judiciary in his contribution noting that “They are an independent arm of the State and while I work closely with them, it is no part of my remit to account for them.
“I want the people of T&T to understand, however, that one of the elements of the rule of law doctrine requires that trials be determined in a speedy fashion.
“The fact that I have assumed this job and see criminal matters pending for very long years gives me no comfort or pride as a citizen of this country.
“The people of T&T must legitimately be entitled to ask questions of the systems governing the criminal justice system.”
By contrast, Ramlogan's cabinet colleague, Justice Minister Herbert Volney, waded in the judiciary during his contribution and attacked the Chief Justice.
Since then he has been widely censured by the legal community and the Prime Minister, who stated publicly that Volney's views are not those that are held by her and the cabinet.
Read the story: PM Kamla: Volney's statements "unfortunate", not official gov't position
Volney has said he plans to speak about the matter in Parliament. He is on record as saying that he would apologise if it means that failing to do so would cost him his job.
Ramlogan did speak about proposed measures to reduce judicial delays, expedite trials and generally reform the system.
He said the plans include anti-gang legislation and laws to attack money laundering and financial crime, which he described as the most dramatic changes to the criminal justice system since independence.
The Anti-Gang Bill will make it unlawful to be a member of a gang, to be in possession of a bullet-proof vest, to participate in or contribute to the activities of a gang, to support or invite support for a gang, or to harbour or recruit children in a gang.
Other proposed measures include:
- A life sentence for kidnapping
- A special court to expedite gun, kidnapping and narcotic offences; murder cases may be added
- A bill to reduce the frequency of court hearing and reduce the time to take prisoners to and from court and related costs
- Use of GPS bracelets to monitor the movements of offenders who are on bail, in custody or on probation, but are still deemed to be a security risk
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