By Rickie Ramdass

Copyright trinidadexpress

“THE baton must be passed at some time.”

After serving as this country’s top judicial officer for almost 18 years, Chief Justice Ivor Archie has announced that “after much reflection” he has decided to retire from the position during this law term, and make way for a new leader with fresh and other innovative ideas to continue taking the Judiciary forward.

“Retire, not resign,” said Archie, adding that the decision to do so was his personal choice.

He did so yesterday as he delivered his final speech as Chief Justice during the ceremonial opening of the 2025-2026 law term at the Convocation Hall of the Hall of Justice in Port of Spain.

There was little immediate reaction in the hall to Archie’s announcement. The majority of attendees present were fellow judges, masters and registrars of the Supreme Court.

Unlike previous years when the Convocation Hall was almost packed to capacity, only a handful of attorneys were present yesterday, leaving most of the seating area unoccupied.

President Christine Kangaloo was not present.

Attorney General John Jeremie, Speaker of the House of Representatives Jagdeo Singh, Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Darrell Allahar, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles and the president of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Justice Winston Anderson, attended.

While Archie did not give an exact date or even month when he will be demitting office, he said it will be sometime during the course of this term.

“So, this will be my final speech (as Chief Justice), he said.

Archie, who became this country’s eighth and youngest Chief Justice in January 2008 at the age of 47, said when he was appointed the mandatory retirement age was 65, and this was what he had envisaged for himself and was prepared for.

In 2020, the mandatory retirement age for a Chief Justice was increased to 70.

“One must have a life beyond chief justice. High public office requires sacrifice of family, self and the freedom to pursue other avenues of interests.

“And while it is a privilege to serve, each of us must decide about what we want for ourselves at any given stage in life.

“Chief Justice is what I do, it is not who I am. Over the past two years, as I approached the age of 65, I have seen my life’s journey with greater clarity and perspective.

“From a corporate governance standpoint, no matter how innovative a leader may be, an infusion of fresh ideas from a new leader with different strengths and weaknesses is desirable from time to time,” said Archie, who turned 65 on August 18.

The Chief Justice also spoke about the temporary nature of his position, describing it as a trust held for successors and the nation.

“The Office of Chief Justice is not private property or something you own or cling to. It is a sacred trust held for other successors and the nation. I am but a single runner in a never-ending relay and the baton must be passed at some time,” he said.

He added that the decision to make the announcement yesterday was to allow for a responsible and transparent transition, especially given his long time in office.

Transparency and seamless succession are an important part of good corporate governance, he stated, pointing out that it required planning and preparation.

He said a further announcement regarding his departure date would be made at a later time.

The Chief Justice said there will always be unfinished business in the Judiciary regardless of when he decided to leave, but he has all faith and confidence that the Judiciary will continue to be in good hands under its new leader, whoever he or she may be.

“At the right time, Her Excellency will choose a successor. Whoever that may be, I am confident that the Judiciary will be in good hands because there is more than a critical mass of people who understand and are committed to our vision and mission, and who share the ability and commitment necessary to execute.

“The next Chief Justice will have my full support but no unsolicited advice,” he said.

The names of three judges are being bandied about as Archie’s possible replacement. They are Justices of Appeal Peter Rajkumar, Ronnie Boodoosingh and Geoffrey Henderson.

Remarkable,

fulfilling journey

Archie said the opportunity to serve as Chief Justice has been “a remarkable journey made even more fulfilling by the opportunity to work with so many outstanding people”.

“I have had and continue to have the support of a phenomenal management team. I do not have time to name everyone past and present, and I will thank them -individually at the appropriate time,” he said.

He went on to thank his fellow judges and other judicial officers for their support and sharpening of his reasoning by their incisive comments and by also helping to shoulder the burden of management by serving on committees and leading initiatives, or may have simply offered a word of encouragement when needed.

“I could not have run the Judiciary without them.

“I would like to thank all of the support and ancillary staff. Without you there is no court. I also want to thank my little team in the office of the Chief Justice, who have patiently surrounded me with generosity and love, to ensure my well-being and effectiveness.

“Most importantly, I want to thank my wife and family for their unwavering love and support. The families of public servants suffer much more than we do.

“They suffer in silence for choices that we make. They give us the time and attention that they are due, and they absorb the collateral damage from the slings and arrows that are aimed at us.

“This can be a cruel society, and I have no idea how I would have managed without them. Finally, I thank God for the privilege of serving. It’s an honour,” he said.