7 News Belize

The Bar On The Bench
posted (June 16, 2010)
Chief Justice Dr. Abdulai Conteh is retiring at the end of September. As we've reported he turns 65 in early August - which is the constitutionally prescribed age of retirement.

But, there was some friction in settling on the date of departure as the constitution provides that a retiring chief justice should be allowed time to finish up his cases before he leaves office. But in this case, the CJ had 15 outstanding matters - which - according to our sources - was of some concern to the government. The issue was discussed between the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice last week and it was agreed that Conteh would leave at the end of September.

With a departure date set, Conteh decided that he would hear no more cases and apportion out most of his 15 pending cases to his brother judges, which would require some hearings that are already underway to be aborted.

It caused a stir in the Bar Association which, after a week of electronic missives, held a special meeting last night and passed a resolution in favour of an unfixed date of departure.

It states that quote, "We express our disapproval of the unseemly manner in which the tenure of the chief justice has been treated by the government of Belize." The statement says that he should be permitted to stay in office without any interference from the executive until he has finished dealing with all pending matters.

The Bar Association statement also indicates that it wants to be consulted on future appointment to the Supreme Court and the Court Of Appeals.

In response, the government issued its own statement today in which it, quote. "utterly rejects the assertion...that the tenure of the chief justice has been treated in an unseemly manner."

Government says it is honoring the provision that allows the chief justice to stay on until he is finished his business, evidenced by the fact that he will be there until the end of September.

And as for consultation on future appointments, the government statement adds that, quote, "the current administration of Belize will continue to follow the law in the matter of appointments to...the office of the Chief Justice and all other Justices." ...

Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

7 News Belize