It is without doubt that Justice Ivor Archie is qualified and competent to hold the position of Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago and as such the MND wishes the new Chief Justice well.

 

It is unfortunate though that this appointment has been met with so much disquiet from many quarters as this office requires national confidence and support at this time.

 

It is even more unfortunate that there is a perception of arbitrariness in the selection process. It is the President's call.

 

This argument is raised everytime a new Chief Justice is appointed. So it has been and continues to be a matter of concern on both sides of the Lower House of Parliament. 

 

As such, the MND would like to recommend to the government and opposition as they ponder constitutional reform to consider electing all major offices such as President, Chief Justice, DPP and Commissioner of Police by special majority vote in the Lower House of Parliament.

 

This method will go some distance in removing the stigma of political bias in the appointment of these very important offices and will give the Parliament the opportunity to vet prospective office holders on behalf of the citizens they represent whilst going a long way towards strethening our young democracy.