February 3rd, 2010.

Chief Justice Ivor Archie is welcoming pending legislation which would allow criminal trials by Judge alone.

He says there have been calls for closer attention to be paid to the security of Judicial Officers some of whom have been subjected to attacks.

Justice Archie was speaking during a luncheon hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce yesterday.

He referred to the threats some Judicial Officers face.

He said in a country as small as Trinidad and Tobago and with finite resources, it is almost impossible to ensure anonymity or to maintain tight security around large numbers of people.

But the Chief Justice also assured that quality judges are a priority.

He said about 60 Magistrates operating in the country disposed of between 80 thousand and 90 thousand cases a year.

And in the Senate yesterday Attorney General John Jeremie tabled the Supreme Court of Judicature Amendment Bill, promising an increase in High Court and Court of Appeal Judges.

He said the Bill is another attempt to tackle the crime problem and lawless elements.

In her contribution to the debate, Independent Senator Dana Seetahal called for more powers to be given to the Chief Justice, particularly when dealing with errant Judges.

She also said the time has come to stop appointing temporary Judges.


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