Trinidadian judge dismisses challenge to CCJ by opposition

Friday, October 3, 2003

Port of Spain, Trinidad: A challenge by a Trinidad opposition party, over the appointment of members of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission to the Caribbean Court of Justice, has been denied by High Court Judge, Mr. Peter Jamadar.

CMC reported the judge said that Mr. Chandresh Sharma, of the opposition United National Congress had "failed to demonstrate an arguable case and/or has failed to show there is a case fit for further consideration."

"Some of the grounds alleged are not supported by any factual evidence and the onus is on the applicant to verify the facts relied on fully, clearly and carefully," CMC quoted the judge as saying. 

Mr. Sharma had asked the court to declare as 'illegal, null and void and of no legal effect' the appointment of members of the RJLSC. He was also seeking a declaration that the members of the commission hold no public office under the laws of Trinidad and Tobago and that the Executive of Trinidad and Tobago had no power or authority to create or participate in the creation of the commission or the CCJ. 

The move by the opposition parliamentarian came soon after eight of the 10-member commission were sworn into office by Chief Justice Satnarine Sharma at the Hall of Justice in the twin-island republic in August. 

The CCJ, to be headquartered in T&T, will replace the London-based Privy Council as the region's final court of appeal. 

  Back...

  Printable version