New Chief Justice's pledge: I will do my best

JUSTICE of Appeal Ronnie Boodoosingh has been appointed Trinidad and Tobago’s ninth Chief Justice, succeeding Ivor Archie, who officially retired on October 22. Boodoosingh was sworn in by acting President Wade Mark the same day.

The Office of the President confirmed that the appointment process was conducted in accordance with Section 102 of the Constitution, which requires the President to appoint the Chief Justice after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

Although not unexpected, Archie’s announcement of his immediate retirement came as a shock to the legal and judicial fraternity because of its timing.

In September, Archie announced his impending retirement from the judiciary after almost 18 years. On October 21, he said, “That time has arrived…” Archie said he informed acting President Wade Mark of his retirement effective October 22. President Christine Kangaloo left for vacation on October 18 and is expected to return at the end of the month, so the task of appointing a new chief justice fell to the acting president.

Letters went out on October 21, with a deadline to respond by 1 pm on October 22. Boodoosingh was still hard at work mere hours before being sworn in as he presided over an appeal which ended two hours before the ceremony at 2 pm, the same time Archie’s retirement took effect. Judiciary staff were also warned not to engage with the media.

Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles objected to the appointment, deeming the consultation process flawed. There was no objection from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who, later in a congratulatory statement, said Boodoosingh earned the respect of the legal fraternity and wider community for his “sound judgment, fairness, and dedication to justice,” having served with distinction as an appellate court judge for the past five years.

“Chief Justice Boodoosingh brings to this esteemed office an illustrious legal career spanning more than three decades, defined by excellence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.” She also thanked Archie for a “truly remarkable career.”

As he formally assumed office, Boodoosingh pledged to serve the people of TT with humility, diligence, and integrity.

Boodoosingh expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him and acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with leading the nation’s judiciary.“I understand the gravity and importance of this office and the trust in which I have entered with the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” Boodoosingh said. “I wish to give the assurance that I will do my best.”

In his remarks, Boodoosingh paid tribute to outgoing Archie, commending him for his leadership and reforms, particularly his role in modernising the justice system and guiding the courts through the challenges of the covid19 pandemic.

“He has made a significant contribution to the judiciary of TT, both in terms of the scholarship of his judgments and the leadership he has offered,” Boodoosingh said. “He has done so at tremendous personal sacrifice to himself.”

The new Chief Justice highlighted Archie’s achievements, including the introduction of electronic filing, virtual courtrooms, and the establishment of the specialised Children and Family Court. He also acknowledged the expansion of the judicial workforce and improvements across various areas of the justice system.

“Trinidad and Tobago owes our outgoing chief justice the deepest debt of gratitude,” Boodoosingh said, extending thanks to Archie’s family, particularly his wife, Denise Rodriguez Archie, and their children, for their years of support.

“Being part of the family of someone in public life is not something that family members sign on to. And, I'm mindful that my family have also signed on to what is an obligation I have undertaken. But they would have done so and supported him through it all.

“And their sacrifices must also be acknowledged as service to the nation.”

Turning to his own family, Boodoosingh offered heartfelt thanks to his wife, daughter, parents, and extended family for their unwavering encouragement throughout his career. “They are the most important aspect of my life,” he said. “They make me a better person.” He also admitted his inner circle was small, “I don't have many friends, but those that I have, I cherish deeply.”

Boodoosingh concluded by reaffirming his dedication to national service and to strengthening the judiciary’s legacy. “I wish to assure the members of the national community of my commitment to TT,” he said. “I will strive to ensure that when it is time to move on, I too, like chief justice Archie, will leave the judiciary in a better place than I met it.”

The appointment ceremony was held at the Office of the President in St Ann’s and was attended by Attorney General John Jeremie, SC, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, Chief of Defence Staff Commodore Don Polo and acting Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin.

In his remarks, Mark described the appointment as a moment of pride and continuity for TT.

“It is with great pleasure that I extend heartfelt congratulations to the Honourable Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh on your appointment,” Mark said. “Your elevation to this distinguished office is a reflection of your integrity, your unwavering dedication to justice, and your steadfast service to the people of TT.”

He wished the new Chief Justice “continued wisdom, courage, and strength” as he undertakes what Mark described as a “vital responsibility to this country.”

The acting President also paid tribute to Archie.

“Seventeen years of leadership at the helm of the judiciary is no ordinary achievement,” Mark said. “You have served with distinction, leaving an indelible mark on the administration of justice and on the nation as a whole. On behalf of the citizens of TT, I express sincere gratitude for your commitment and your enduring contribution to the rule of law.”

Mark said the transition between chief justices represented a dignified and seamless passage of responsibility, demonstrating the stability and independence of TT’s judicial system.

“As we witness this moment of transition, we do so with confidence that it has been passed with dignity, and that the judiciary of TT continues to stand on firm and steady ground,” he said.

Boodoosingh, 55, was elevated to the Court of Appeal on September 14, 2020. A southerner, he was appointed a puisne judge in September 2007 and has presided in both criminal and civil courts. He was admitted to the bar in October 1992 and began his legal career as an advocate with JD Sellier and Company before joining the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, where he served for seven years, prosecuting cases across jurisdictions.

In 2001, Boodoosingh joined the Hugh Wooding Law School as a lecturer, leading the trial advocacy programme and teaching ethics and human rights. He also founded the school’s Human Rights Law Clinic.

In December 2017, amid controversy surrounding the former chief justice, Boodoosingh broke his usual silence, urging Archie to “do the honourable thing” in an e-mail to colleagues. He said the allegations and media reports about the judiciary had become “more shocking” and warned that “all is not well on Knox Street.”

Citing his oath as a judge, Boodoosingh said he could not remain silent “on the most significant threat to our institution in a very long time.” He cautioned judges to be mindful of their associations and public conduct, adding, “When grave allegations are made about us, we just cannot sit back and feel they will pass or go away.”

Archie, 65, who became the nation’s youngest chief justice on January 24, 2008, said he always intended to retire at 65, despite the 2020 constitutional amendment that raised the judicial retirement age to 70.

“Chief Justice is what I do, not who I am,” he said. “High public office requires sacrifice of family, self and the freedom to pursue other interests.”

His leadership was also marked by controversy, from the 2017 misconduct allegations to the Privy Council’s 2025 criticism of his handling of the Marcia Ayers-Caesar judicial appointment issue.

Archie pledged to support his successor “without interference,” saying, “The office of Chief Justice is not private property. It is a sacred baton held in trust for one’s successors and the nation.”

Throughout the afternoon, several government ministers congratulated Boodoosingh on his appointment, which was also welcomed by the legal fraternity. The Assembly of Southern Lawyers said it was encouraged by Boodoosingh’s “track record of dedication, professionalism and service.”

“We recognise his role as a key leader in advancing access to justice across TT – a matter of profound concern in the southern region,” it said as it pledged support to the new chief justice.

“Our assembly looks forward to the reopening and full functioning of the courts in the southern region, including the courts in San Fernando. We pledge our support and collaboration with the judiciary, the magistracy, and Chief Justice Boodoosingh’s leadership in ensuring that the citizens of the south have timely, fair and effective access to the courts and to justice.

“We trust that under his guidance, the Judiciary will continue to uphold the rule of law, improve efficiency, reduce backlogs, enhance public confidence and further the cause of justice for all.

“We stand ready to assist in any way we can, including through dialogue, advocacy and local participation, to realise a modern, accessible and responsive court system.”

Attorney Justice Phelps, SC, said he viewed Boodoosingh’s appointment as “excellent,” expressing hope it would restore a degree of detachment and stability to the judiciary.

“He is a brilliant judge with an admirable judicial demeanour. The judiciary needs breathing space away from conflict and personality.”

He expressed hope that Boodoosingh would look at the appointment and promotion of judges as, he said, “there were performance issues” that caused concern in the profession.

“There is an urgent need for an effective code of conduct for judges. Some are unaware that our judges are effectively unregulated. I had written to the former CJ and the JLSC about this without success. These issues leave the less detached judge susceptible to the influence of things other than law and facts.

“I hope that the new CJ will look at these issues, but he will need to be insulated from politicisation if we are to benefit fully from his service.”

The Judiciary, in a statement, described Boodoosingh as a “jurist of exceptional distinction, whose illustrious legal and judicial career is marked by unwavering dedication to the principles of fairness, institutional transparency, and operational excellence.”