By Shirley Thomas
Guyana Chronicle
June 16, 2001

SENIOR Counsel, Mr. Doodnauth Singh and leader of The United Force (TUF) party, Mr. Manzoor Nadir were yesterday sworn in as Attorney General and Minister of Tourism and Industry, respectively.

They took the oath before President Bharrat Jagdeo in the Credentials Room of the Presidential Secretariat in Georgetown just hours before the reading of the National Budget 2001.

Among those witnessing the ceremony in the packed room were several members of the legal profession, including former Attorney General, Mr. Bernard DeSantos; former Chief Magistrate, Mr. K. Juman-Yassin; Senior Counsel, Mr. Rex Mc Kay; Mr. L. Luckhoo; Speaker Ralph Ramkarran; Mr. Vic Puran; Mr. Jailall Kissoon; Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, Ms. Anande Trotman (President of the Guyana Bar Association) and Ms. Roxanne George.

Also present were leader of the Justice For All Party, Mr. C.N. Sharma and executives of the TUF.

President Jagdeo said he would expect the new technocrat ministers to show respect for the laws of the country, first of all, and to "always understand that we're all here to give service to all the people."

He stressed that he would expect all his Cabinet members to be humble in carrying out their functions, even in dealing with the very ordinary person, adding: "The ordinary person matters".

This, he said, is something he has always insisted on, and would like to see upheld.

Nadir told reporters it was an honour and privilege to have been asked by the President to join the Cabinet at this very important time.

Asked whether he would demit office as TUF leader, he said, "I am still the leader of the TUF."

Singh, former Chairman of the Elections Commission, who was previously engaged in private practice among other things, said that in order to dedicate his all to the job, he will have to shed some of those responsibilities.

He said that for example, he was scheduled to attend the Privy Council in a matter from Trinidad in October.

"But I will now have to give up that," he stated.

Singh said he is in touch with his Junior Counsel and Solicitor in the Caribbean who will inform his clients about his appointment so that alternative arrangements could be made. At the time of his appointment, he said, he had about five clients.

Singh recalled having been admitted to the Bar in 1959, and in 1961 joined the Chamber of the Attorney General.

At that time, even in my wildest dreams, I didn't expect to return to that office as Attorney General."

And about his immediate plans for moving the Judiciary forward, the new Attorney General said that with all urgency he will be making representation for improved salaries for the Judiciary and the Magistracy.

He added, "because if that is not corrected, then you will not have a proper functioning Judiciary or Magistracy."

He also saw improved staffing of the Attorney General's Office and the filling of the position of Solicitor General as immediate priorities.

"I will immediately advertise for the filling of the position of Solicitor General," he stated.

Singh recalled serving under three Attorneys General, Mr. A.M.I. Austin, Dr. Fenton Ramsahoye and Sir Shridath Ramphal, with Dr. Mohammed Shahabudeen as the Solicitor General.

Noting that the quality of that office was of the highest calibre, he said he is aware that it is not of the same state at the moment.

"We have a lot of work to do."

He is, however, optimistic because of the relationship he has had with people in Guyana and throughout the Caribbean.

He said he has had discussions with Dr. Ramsahoye who has given an undertaking to be of tremendous assistance to him, free of cost, and has already put in motion assistance from the Trinidad Law Commission.

And being familiar with the Attorneys General of Jamaica, Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago, he feels assured of getting the kind of help needed.