KAMLA: INVESTIGATE LAW ASSOCIATION ALLEGATIONS

Leader of the Opposition, Kamla Persad-Bissessar i

The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago represents the views of the legal profession. Its role is to advance the values of the legal profession, uphold the rule of law, the constitution and to ensure the protection of the rights that we all enjoy and binds us together as a society. Our Constitution recognises that men and institutions remain free only when freedom is founded upon respect for the rule of law.

As a member of the Inner Bar I feel a deep sense of regret, disappointment and outrage by reports that a member of the legal profession is being asked to withdraw his nomination by senior executive members of the Council because of his perceived personal preferences and political affiliations.

The alleged actions of the senior executive members of the Law Association undermines the very values that the Law Association as an independent body was designed to protect. It undermines the Constitution and the rule of law. It casts a dark light on the association and on those whose views it represents and most importantly it has the potential to bring the legal profession into disrepute.

If this report is true, then it can be seen as an attempt by those involved to use their office to cleanse the Association of whom they perceive to be of a certain political affiliation and of a particular sexual orientation. Such conduct is disgraceful and shameful and I call upon all members of the profession in the first instance and the general public to denounce and condemn these actions.

I further call upon the Law Association to initiate an independent investigation into the allegations that members of the executive attempted to interfere with the democratic process by pressuring a candidate to withdraw, as well as concerns raised about the rules of the voting process. Where any member is found to have participated in impeding free and fair elections they must immediately resign.

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