Stabroek News
May 1, 2001

The appointments of Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice will be discussed when President Bharrat Jagdeo and PNC REFORM leader, Desmond Hoyte resume their dialogue tomorrow.

Stabroek News understands that President Jagdeo was in contact with Hoyte yesterday about the appointments.

When they met last week, they had agreed that the tenure of Justice Cecil Kennard as Chancellor would not be extended beyond yesterday. In January, parliamentary parties agreed that the government would make no major appointments until after the March 19, elections. President Jagdeo subsequently agreed to a request from Hoyte that the appointments be made after the elections.

While the elevation of Chief Justice Desiree Bernard seems clear cut, there is intense speculation in legal circles as to the person to be appointed Chief Justice.

The front runners for the job are Appeal Court judges, Claudette Singh, who has more than 13 years judicial experience and Carl Singh who has about six years, if his tenure as a Land Court judge is taken into account. In yesterday's Stabroek News it was inaccurately stated that Justice Carl Singh had ten years judicial experience.

However, observers have pointed out that seniority was not the only factor that would have to be taken into account and others such work ethic, legal scholarship were also important. As such the candidate appointed, they said, would not necessarily be the one with the most experience. They said too that there was precedence for the most senior judge being passed over.

Both appointments are at the discretion of the President even though, under the present constitutional arrangements, he must consult with the Leader of the Opposition. The proposed amendment to the constitution would provide that the Leader of the Opposition must agree to the appointment.