Ramlogan: A knee jerk reaction

“I am very pleased that Carmona has seen the wisdom and merit in the pre-action protocol letter I sent to his office last week. (This) does not in any way address the fundamental systemic issues that plague the administration of justice,” Ramlogan SC said.

Ramlogan had stated he intended to launch a constitutional motion against the State, to challenge the composition and jurisdiction of the JLSC on the ground that it did not comply with requirements in Section 110 of the Constitution. The legal threat followed the appointment of the then Chief Magistrate at Portof- Spain Magistrates Court Marcia Ayers-Caesar, to the High Court on April 12.

Referring to the pre-action protocol letter sent to Carmona, Ramlogan yesterday said, “I indicated the JLSC was not properly constituted with four members, as the Constitution clearly requires a minimum of five. There was no member from the Bar, that is to say, a senior and respected attorney who was no longer in active practice and hence, an important consideration was ignored.” The JLSC had asked for until May 19, to respond to Ramlogan’s legal letter. Ramlogan also questioned the legality of retired judges Roger Hamel-Smith and Humphrey Stollmeyer sitting on the JLSC, as both are retired and over the age of 65. In an apparent reference to Koylass’ swearing-in, Ramlogan yesterday declared, “This is a victory for the people, the Constitution and democracy.” There is a motion of no confidence in Chief Justice Ivor Archie and the JLSC scheduled to be debated by the Law Association on June 1. Although the JLSC now has a full quorum, Ramlogan said he remains concerned that, “this glaring omission could have occurred.”