“Controversy will continue in the selection of Senior Counsels unless their is reform, and it is removed from political influence”
This according to NTA Political Leader, Gary Griffith.
Her Excellency, Her Excellency Christine Kangaloo bestowed Silk on 17 attorneys including her husband Kerwyn Garcia and brother Colin Kangaloo.
Griffith in a release issued this evening congratulated those who were honoured with Silk, (Senior Counsel status), however he questioned the appropriateness of the President bestowing the legal honour onto her husband and her brother.
“The NTA prefers to leave that for the court of public opinion, whilst focusing on the bigger picture, which is that once again we will advise that there is a need for constitutional reform.”
“That the present system for the bestowing of Silk has a political element where the PM is directly involved in the process, it may diminish in the eyes of some, the merit of those receiving it. This is why for instance the real reason questions are being asked about the appropriateness of Her Excellency Christine Kangaloo bestowing silk on her husband Kerwyn Garcia, is not because he is her husband, but because he is seen as a PNM lawyer who over the years would have benefited from his close relationship to this administration.”
“This is very unfortunate but understandable, especially given the Rowley led administration’s efforts to politicise everything. And to be clear, the NTA is not automatically against anyone who is close to this present administration receiving Senior Counsel status, as we see for example, Michael Quamina’s Silk as well deserved, for the many significant milestones in his legal career.”
“Which is why a system that is totally removed from political influence and is only based on meritocracy is needed. Failure to implement this will continue to lead to accusations and the casting of aspersions, based upon political leanings.”
“In this regard, the NTA also notes the monumental mental gymnastics that those who bitterly complained about Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Anand Ramlogan being bestowed Silk, must now have to engage in, with regards to Garcia being bestowed Senior Counsel status. But whilst some are fuelled by the tit for tat of our present political atmosphere, we at the NTA would like to remain focused on the bigger picture, which is that this is just another example of the need for political and constitutional reform of our country, which we assure the public will come once this Keith Rowley led government is democratically removed from office.”