PRESIDENT OF THE PEOPLE

The announcement that Justice Anthony Carmona will be the next President of the Republic of T&T has been met with widespread approval, giving citizens the hope that there are good people among us who will be given the opportunity to serve in the best interest of our country.

Many were waiting with bated breath for the Government to announce its candidate, mindful that in the past there has been great disappointment over many of the choices and decisions made by this regime.
As if the almighty above was guiding the selection of the person to replace the incumbent President, we were all pleased and relieved that the individual chosen was one whose track record speaks volumes about his undeniable ability to be independent and impartial in the execution of his duties.

The Right One
Many names were placed in the public domain in the days leading up to the formal announcement by the Government of its nomination and concerns were raised that the process, as currently specified in the Constitution, ought to more inclusive of a greater part of the population.

Suggestions have been made that the election of the President ought to be placed in the hands of the electorate—a simple one-person-one-vote process, with each party represented in the Lower House being able to propose a candidate whose name will appear on the ballot paper.

It is matters such as these that should be engaging our attention as we proceed with the commitment of constitutional reform. It is time that we stop all the talking and get serious about amending those parts of our Constitution that will ensure and promote good governance at all levels. That having been said, however, does not detract from the fact that in the instant matter, we have got a candidate who can truly be described as a man of the people.

The issue of meaningful consultation with the Opposition in a timely fashion in order to obtain a candidate by consensus was also a concern, but in the end, all turned out well, as the Government proved that it is capable of proposing a fit and proper person to hold the office of President.

And it should be appreciated that the honourable Justice Rolston Nelson, the candidate suggested by the PNM for consideration by the Government for the office of President, had the desired effect of placing pressure on this regime to find an individual who was in such a distinguished category of “highly accomplished and well-respected individual.”

From the Outset
The early statements by the President-designate, made soon after his nomination was placed in the public domain, proves that Justice Carmona is fit and proper to hold the highest office in the land. His distinguished career and his track record of serving his country are matters that must have been given due consideration, but his greatest asset, and I speak as one who has worked closely with the individual, is the humility he displays in all walks of his life.

Justice Carmona has a genuine compassion for the ordinary man and the dispossessed. His recent statements and observations while still sitting as a judge in the Criminal Assize bear testimony to his knowledge, which goes beyond academia and enters the realm of social justice.

The golden thread that runs through his illustrious career is the passion he expresses for a fair and united society. Not one to apologise for his spirituality and god-fearing nature, Justice Carmona has always appreciated all creeds and faiths. At a time when many describe our nation as tearing at the societal seams, Justice Carmona is sufficiently equipped to continue to play a role, now in this esteemed office, to bring our nation together.

Role of President
Many may counter that the office of President is ceremonial and my interpretation goes beyond the realm of contemplation of the functions of the President. I, however, maintain my position, because the President of this republic, based on the very oath that he or she takes and being above all political and other influence or interference in the execution of his or her duties, must leave some legacy that marks his or her stewardship—and that indelible mark must be to the positive advancement and development of the nation. 

Such a responsibility demands that the President be not only an exemplar but an active contributor to the promotion of societal justice without crossing the boundaries or entering the arena of politics.
Justice Carmona is well suited for the Office and we are all confident that he will continue to serve conscientiously and impartially for the wellbeing of the people of T&T.