PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):
A fierce verbal war has ensued between Attorney-General John Jeremie and the president of the Bar Association, as the controversy involving the chief justic continues.
In a letter on Wednesday, Jeremie criticised Russell Martineau SC, president of the Bar Association, for presiding over a recent meeting of lawyers to discuss whether he (Jeremie) had committed contempt of court.
But Martineau shot back immediately saying he was not about to engage the Attorney-General in a "sterile debate," noting that he had "personalised" the issue.
The Attorney-General said it was "lamentable" that Martineau chaired the meeting given that the matter involved Chief Justice Satnarine Sharma, who is the client of the Bar Association president.
Last week's meeting was called by the Bar to discuss whether Jeremie had ruptured public confidence in the judiciary when he used a broadcast speech to criticise Sharma for improperly using the court system to block attempts to arrest him on charges of attempting to pervert the course of public justice.
Impartiality, integrity
Chief Magistrate Sherman McNicholls has accused the chief justice of attempting to sway his decision in the recent trial of former prime minister Basdeo Panday.
Jeremie said Martineau should have set an example of impartiality and integrity, particularly to the younger members of the profession, by stepping down from the meeting. Lawyers agreed at the meeting to secure senior counsel to advise them on whether the Attorney-General committed contempt of court.
But Jeremie said his address had been given only after he had obtained the advice of two eminent lawyers, whose names he did not disclose.
Jeremie said his address was also reviewed - this time by Karl Hudson Phillip, QC, and Sir Godfray Le Quesne, QC - subsequent to the association's meeting.
"Not surprisingly, the opinions of all four members of the inner bar are consistent with my view that the question of contempt cannot possibly arise in the context of anything contained in my address to the nation," the Attorney-General said.
Jeremie expressed "deep concern" at the actions of the Bar "in the wake of what appears to me to be the pursuit of ego at the expense of principle."
Martineau on Wednesday night urged Jeremie to give mature consideration to all the events taking place, and do what "in our conscience is just and right and in the best interest of the country without ill will or acrimony."
