Red letter day for justice

THE EDITOR: Please permit me some space in your daily newspaper to comment on the landmark judgment delivered by Honourable Madam Justice Mira Dean Armourer in the matter between Mr Devant Maharaj and The Statutory Services Commission on Wednesday December 15, 2004. I take this opportunity to declare this judgment a red letter day for justice; equality and equity in the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. This judgment goes beyond the boundaries of race, religion and party politics. Justice has been declared for all those who may, in some way have been deprived of the opportunity to serve, despite the fact that these individuals may have topped their interviews conducted under the auspices of this commission.

This judgment authenticates the urgent need for a full and public disclosure of the results of interviews conducted to fill senior positions in the public service over the past three years conducted by the Statutory Services Commission. This type of action is warranted and should form part of an order of the court. If there is any failure of the court to act in this regard, then it is the responsibility of the Minister of Public Administration to clear the public’s perception in this matter of insurmountable national disgrace. How could we ever utter the proposition of Vision 2020 when these undercurrents to fair play and justice stalk this land? As a nation we must all collectively bow our heads in shame. We have virtually exposed the real diversity that encapsulates pre South Africa apartheid and fringes of Zimbabwe a la Robert Mugabe.

DEXTER FRASER
Arouca