Judge Ayers-Caesar resigns

Her resignation came amid growing concern over unfinished cases she may have left behind in the magistracy and one day after frustrated prisoners almost rioted in the Eighth Magistrates Court in Port-of-Spain where Ayers-Caesar presided, for the last seven years.

Ayers-Caesar’s shocking resignation was announced yesterday in a statement issued on her behalf by the Judiciary’s Court Protocol and Information Department.

She said after “careful deliberation, prayer and consultation” with her family, she sought an audience with Chief Justice Ivor Archie and delivered her resignation to President Anthony Carmona at 5.30 pm yesterday.

She admitted she should have advised the Judicial and Legal Service Commission of the number of part-heard cases left on her docket and request further time to complete them before taking up the higher judicial post.

“Upon mature reflection, I am of the considered view that it would have been preferable that I advise the Judicial and Legal Service Commission of the full state of my list and request further time to bring matters to completion before confirming my readiness to assume duties as a Judge of the Supreme Court,” Ayers-Caesar said.

“I acknowledge the concerns raised with respect to the various matters which were not completed before me as Chief Magistrate by the time of my appointment to the Bench of the Supreme Court of Justice and recognise the effect that the failure to complete these matters will invariably have on the stakeholders in the criminal justice system including accused persons, victims of crime and members of the legal profession,” she added. “I continue to regret the effect which my actions have caused on the very persons whom I strive to serve and that His Excellency the President and the Honourable Chief Justice for the confidence placed in me,” she concluded.

Ayers-Caesar began her duties as a judge on Monday in the San Fernando High Court. In her statement yesterday, she did not say what her next move will be and it is still unclear if she will immediately return to the magistracy.

On Monday, president of the Law Association Douglas Mendes SC, issued a statement expressing the council’s concern over Ayers-Caesar’s appointment and leaving behind a heavy docket of unfinished cases, mainly murder inquiries involving accused persons who are incarcerated for as much as seven years without bail as they await the completion of their matters in the lower court.

Mendes assured that the association was committed to transparency and accountability in the selection and appointment of judges by the JLSC but said the council had ‘immediate concerns about the fact that a judge was appointed and took up office leaving behind outstanding, part-heard matters.” He said the association would have sought to meet with Chief Justice Archie, the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions over the coming days “to assist in finding a workable solution.” However, Mendes said it was unfair that anyone should suffer the expense and anxiety of an avoidable repeat trial.

“The full extent of the prejudice which may have been caused is not yet known,” he said.

(See Page 8A)