A release today from the Association of Defence Attorneys pulled no punches when it publicly complained about the appointment of two more foreign judges to the High Court Bench. They are former Deputy DPP Sheiniza Smith, a Guyanese resident in Belize, and Peter Carter, a Trinidadian.
The ADA says, "The Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) has struck again with their latest selection of two new judges. What is particularly irksome is the almost arrogant behaviour of ignoring and disrespecting half a dozen Belizean attorneys who applied and who possess more than adequate qualifications, experience and practical knowledge."
They add, "The government's two titular representatives on the JLSC are now considered as puppets and marionettes."
The ADA calls for the government to, quote, "urgently reconstitute a new JLSC... The Chief Justice must be removed as Chairperson of the JLSC and replaced by a retired Belizean judge or a Belizean of integrity and noble nationalist character."
The release ends dramatically saying, "What could have gone so wrong. How could we reach so low."
Regarding the appointment of these judges, Attorney General Anthony Sylvester yesterday said, "The process is still ongoing and no final determination has been made on that matter as yet."
Reports say the Bar Association may be seeking to challenge the ADA's position.
