She failed to manage transition

In a brief press release issued by the Judiciary’s Court Protocol and Information Unit, CJ Archie first said that Ayers-Caesar was selected for elevation after a “robust” selection process by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) which he heads.

However, he added, Ayers-Caesar “failed to manage the transition from the magistracy to the High Court in a way which ensured that undue hardship was not placed on stakeholders.” CJ Archie added that Ayers-Caesar departed from “established practice” where successful candidates ensured they fulfilled all outstanding professional obligations before advising the Commission of their availability to be appointed to the High Court. Archie claimed neither he nor the JLSC were made aware of the “full extent” of Ayers-Caesar’s obligations to the lower courts before President Anthony Carmona fixed the date of her swearing-in as a judge.

Archie in the release said he was “fortified” by Ayers-Caesar’s renewed commitment to place her duty and responsibility to the administration of justice ahead of personal interest as he noted her willingness to attend to matters pending in the magistrates courts which she would have presided over prior to her elevation.

Within these circumstances, the release added, the JLSC met and agreed to restore Ayers-Caesar to the magisterial bench. Archie urged members of the legal profession and other stakeholders in the criminal justice system to continue to render the suppport needed to ensure efficient disposition of matters in the criminal justice system.

(See Page 10A)