Trinidad CJ transfers critic to Tobago
(Trinidad Guardian) A high court judge who has been a fierce critic of Chief Justice Ivor Archie is challenging his decision to transfer her to head the Judiciary’s new Family Court in Tobago.
In a five-page letter sent to Archie on Friday, which was obtained by Guardian Media, Justice Carol Gobin questioned the decision, which was only sent to her on Monday.
Gobin, who has been openly critical of Archie since misconduct allegations arose two years ago, raised several issues with the decision including the perception that it was based on their tempestuous relationship.
Archie’s decision to transfer Gobin came days after Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley announced that he would not follow the Law Association’s advice to institute impeachment proceedings to investigate the claims against Archie.
Rowley obtained a legal opinion on the association’s report and corresponding legal advice on the issue which stated that there was insufficient evidence to warrant a constitutional probe as suggested.
The association has suggested that the opinion, prepared by British Queen’s Counsel Howard Stevens, was flawed and is currently seeking additional legal advice on whether to bring a judicial review lawsuit to challenge Rowley’s decision.
“I must specifically note as well that this unilateral and arbitrary assignment, taking place in the context of our well documented past differences must appear, to any dispassionate and reasonably informed bystander, to be tantamount to the imposition of a sanction,” Gobin said, as she called on Archie to reconsider his decision and hold consultations with other judicial officers on the “far-reaching changes” being contemplated.