There are mixed views with regards to Karl Hudson-Phillips, QC, being positioned by some members of the Law Association of T&T to contest the post of president. Israel Khan, SC, who, along with a battery of lawyers had approached Hudson-Phillips, 79, to contest the post, said he was well respected throughout the Commonwealth and his age should not be a deterring factor.
Khan who had been contesting for the post of president, but withdrew last Friday, said the "association has been at its lowest ebb" and needed Hudson-Phillips' intervention. On May 7, Dana Seetahal, SC, resigned with immediate effect as president of the association saying she felt as if she was personally under attack.
The resignation comes in the midst of mounting pressure from certain elements within the Council of the Association, and among the general membership, over the disappearance of $284,000 from the association's account. The association's next election is scheduled for June. "People have lost all respect for the association and lawyers."
Khan said when Hudson-Phillips was approached to contest, "He told us he has to think about this quite carefully because he is now enjoying his retirement." Khan said from the time Hudson-Phillips goes up "not a man jack will contest. It have nobody in this country who could match him."
If Hudson-Phillips declines, Khan said: "I will have to contest." Asked if anyone else could vie for the position, Douglas Mendes, SC, said the position of president of the association was one for which all SCs ultimately ought to take a turn and serve.
Mendes said: "I don't think there is any need for any group of lawyers to canvas for any particular person to do it. Anybody can do the job. There are many Senior Counsels out there who can do the job. It's just a matter of taking turns." Mendes said he had no idea if anyone would go up against Hudson-Phillips.
"My view is that these positions...I don't know why recently people want to make it into...as if it is a political appointment." Former attorney general Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, SC, described Hudson-Phillips as the most suitable person to lead the profession.
"He will bring new life to the organisation. I will support him any day. When Hudson-Phillips served as president the legal profession was independent, fearless and was prepared to condemn the Government of the day on issues affecting the rights of citizens."