By Joel Julien
Copyright trinidadexpress
Chief Justice Ivor Archie has announced that he will be retiring from office during this law term, bringing to a close a tenure that began in 2008.
Archie, who turned 65 last month, made the announcement while delivering remarks at the opening of the new law term.
“When I became Chief Justice in 2008, the mandatory retirement age was 65. That is what I envisaged and that is what I prepared for,” Archie said.
In 2020, the retirement age of judges was raised from 65 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 interest. And while it is a privilege to serve, each of us must decide what we want for ourselves in every given stage in life,” he said.
“Chief Justice is what I do, it is not who I am. And over the past two years as I have approached the age of 65, I have seen my life 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,” Archie said.
Archie said it important for him to find new challenges and opportunities as he continues to grow.
“The office of Chief Justice is not private property or something you own or cling to. It is a sacred baton held in trust for one’s successors and the nation. I am but a single runner in a never-ending relay, and the baton must be passed at some time. As any runner would tell you, the race is compromised if you don’t pass in the zone — and I am in my zone,” Archie said.
“I have decided to retire — not resign, retire — at a time of my own choosing and not to wait until I reach the age of 70. There will always be unfinished business no matter when I leave, but I have decided to retire during this term. So this will be my last speech,” he said.
Archie said he chose to make the announcement at this time to be responsible in managing the transition, especially after such a lengthy period in office.
He added that he will provide further details about the exact date of his retirement at a later time.
