Herbert Volney is not backing away from statements made in Parliament last week about Chief Justice Ivor Archie.
Volney's comments, made under Parliamentary Privilege, suggested that ther was some kind of sweetheart deal between Archie and the former attorney general through which the CJ secured an "opulent mansion".
Archie has censured the former judge for his remarks, which Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar have called "unfortunate" and "unnecessary". She also distanced herself and her cabinet from the comments and reaffirmed her commitment to the independence of the Judiciary.
However Archie is standing firm on his statements. He told the Trinidad Express he won't apologise and "will not be intimidated by his (Archie's) threats."
He asked, "Should I apologise for informing the national community that the Chief Justice is enjoying renting his private home and enjoying thrift?
"I have absolutely no grouse with the Chief Justice, but if something does not look good and does not smell good for my constituents, I have a duty to bring it to their attention."
Volney added, "I will not be intimidated by his threats. He (Archie) needs to sit in court and hear the people and allow me to do my work in Parliament."
Volney declared in his opinion the rental arrangement for the residence of the CJ should be reviewed.
Volney's comments, made under Parliamentary Privilege, suggested that ther was some kind of sweetheart deal between Archie and the former attorney general through which the CJ secured an "opulent mansion".
Archie has censured the former judge for his remarks, which Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar have called "unfortunate" and "unnecessary". She also distanced herself and her cabinet from the comments and reaffirmed her commitment to the independence of the Judiciary.
However Archie is standing firm on his statements. He told the Trinidad Express he won't apologise and "will not be intimidated by his (Archie's) threats."
He asked, "Should I apologise for informing the national community that the Chief Justice is enjoying renting his private home and enjoying thrift?
"I have absolutely no grouse with the Chief Justice, but if something does not look good and does not smell good for my constituents, I have a duty to bring it to their attention."
Volney added, "I will not be intimidated by his threats. He (Archie) needs to sit in court and hear the people and allow me to do my work in Parliament."
Volney declared in his opinion the rental arrangement for the residence of the CJ should be reviewed.
No comments:
Post a Comment