Radhica De Silva
Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh has promised that the “iconic Supreme Court building in San Fernando” will be reopened under his tenure.
Speaking at the Assembly of Southern Lawyers Christmas dinner at the Pointe-a-Pierre Golf Club on Saturday night, Boodoosingh said the Judiciary intends to work with the authorities responsible for public funding to restore operations at the long-closed building.
“We in the Judiciary intend to work alongside those who control public funds to have that ‘iconic Supreme Court building in San Fernando’ reopened for business in the shortest possible time,” he said.
Boodoosingh also addressed concerns about the state of the legal system and perceptions of the profession. He said lawyers and the Judiciary are sometimes the target of criticism, noting that some of that criticism is warranted. However, he said the courts continue to play a central role in the country.
“Many people knock us as lawyers, as legal professionals, sometimes justifiably so,” he said. “But we as legal professionals are critical to the success of our democracy, the defence of the rule of law, and the preservation of our values as a people.”
The Chief Justice spoke about his early connection to San Fernando and the start of his legal training. He said he had no links to the profession when he entered law school and found his way into the field through a chance introduction.
He recalled that his first court experiences took place in the old San Fernando Supreme Court building, where he observed senior attorneys at work and learned the standards expected of lawyers. Among those he saw in action was Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, presenting constitutional matters and cross-examining in criminal matters.
Boodoosingh said those early experiences shaped his career and showed him how the profession can support new entrants.
He said his path later took him to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions after early exposure to criminal practice. He said he was advised against that move, but it became a significant part of his career. He later entered teaching at the Hugh Wooding Law School under the guidance of his mentor, Justice Annestine Sealey.
The Chief Justice said the Judiciary’s leadership team intends to work with southern lawyers to address issues involving access to court services in the region.
“I hope to lead a Judiciary which sees the hearing and determination of cases within a reasonable time as our core function and duty,” he said.
“Together, I hope, we will work to build the trust and confidence of our fellow citizens in our judicial system,” he added.
Meanwhile, the president of the Assembly of Southern Lawyers, Saira Lakhan, said the Chief Justice’s record as a lecturer and mentor has influenced lawyers throughout the region.
She said she still remembers his first class at the Hugh Wooding Law School. “My Lord told us the key to becoming a great advocate is preparation. At the time it sounded simple, but over the years I realised it is the truest thing anyone could have told a young lawyer. Preparation is everything.”
Lakhan said many lawyers present were former students of the Chief Justice.
She said his approach to leadership continues to guide members of the profession. “What stands out most about our Chief Justice is his humility. He has taught us that quiet preparation and humility can carry you a long way.”
Lakhan said his appointment has brought renewed confidence to the profession. “Your appointment as Chief Justice has in itself given us all confidence that positive change will be forthcoming soon,” she said. She noted that he recently visited the San Fernando High Court building, which she described as “proactive leadership in action.”
She said the ASL would not present a list of requests but would instead trust his leadership.
Lakhan said the ASL is prepared to work with the Chief Justice on education, outreach, and partnership to achieve “the fair, timely, and accessible administration of justice.”
