New Appeal Court judge appointed

The presentation was made in a simple ceremony at President’s House, St Ann’s, and was also attended by acting Chief Justice Nolan Bereaux.

Carmona said he could personally attest to the phenomenal work ethic of each of his two former colleagues on the bench.

He related that as State attorneys, both he and Bereaux, after working late hours in the Office of the Attorney-General, would then face a three–hour drive home to their homes in Fyzabad and Erin respectively.

Carmona saluted Rajkumar for his impressive work ethic, and described him as “kind, fair and humble” and as doing his job “without fanfare”.

He recalled that as an attorney, Rajkumar has worked for most of the top law firms including Hobsons, De la Bastide and Company, Martin Daly and Hamel-Smith and Company.

Carmona said that as a High Court Judge, Rajkumar has delivered judicially sound judgements characterised as far-reaching and socially transformative.

Welcoming judicial activism but noting that it is not always popular amongst all quarters, Carmona welcomed judgements that lead to a better society.

Saying that Rajkumar’s remit will expand from having ruled on just civil cases in the High Court to now having to adjudicate on both civil and criminal matters in the Appeal Court, the President said, “I know you’ll be fair and straightforward in your judgements”.

He added that a judge lives a lonely life and cannot be seen talking to an attorney however innocent the conversation may be.

Carmona concluded that Rajkumar’s late father, also a judge whom he referred to as “good old Raj”, was regrettably absent from yesterday’s ceremony but would have been very proud of his son.

Bereaux recalled his professional relationship with Rajkumar whom he hailed for his integrity and hard work.