Not me and Ish and Steve

Ramlogan said that in light of recent news items, he intends to prepare a letter to indicate that he would decline the invitation to intervene at this stage, given the fact that the case is before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

Ramlogan told reporters yesterday, “I feel that it ought to be allowed to take its course.” He said it would be premature to make any decision that could hamper the progress of that matter at this point in time.

“I do however remain open to receiving representation from the gentlemen in question via their attorneys at the appropriate time, so that due consideration can be given to their requests, after the courts have adjudicated on the matter at the Judicial Committee level,” Ramlogan said.

Asked for his stance on the high-profile former UNC ministers now before the courts, Ramlogan said his position was the same for one and all. “The People’s Partnership is committed to the rule of law and equality of treatment before the law. Our position is that the rule of law must be allowed to prevail and these are matters for the courts to decide”.

Asked about the recent ruling against the Jamaat al Muslimeen, Ramlogan said he was awaiting a report on the matter to decide on the sale of the Jamaat’s assets.

Asked about the Judiciary, the AG deferred to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who said Chief Justice Ivor Archie had invited herself and Justice Minister Herbert Volney to meet next week.

Saying her Government would act towards the Judiciary within the four corners of the law, she said, “There should be no fear that we will trespass upon the role of the judiciary”.

She said the criminal justice system was over-burdened, overwhelmed and under-resourced, and must be fixed.