Government is looking on - like citizens - at a situation that “seems to be unfolding” following recent allegations about Chief Justice Ivor Archie and the security arrangements for judges.
This was the word from Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young at yesterday’s post-Cabinet media briefing.
Asked about a media reports which made certain allegations about the CJ allegedly discussing alternative security arrangements for judges with a third party, Young said, “There’s nothing for Government to get involved with. We’re looking on as well as citizens at a situation that seems to be unfolding. There’s no need for Government to intervene.”
He said he’d noted that the Law Association had observed some statements in the report were unsubstantiated.
“There’s nothing for us to look at, at this stage,” he added, saying Cabinet hadn’t discussed the claims.
Young also hinted that disciplinary action might be ahead for alleged culprits Immigration officers in last Sunday’s “sick out” at the Piarco International Airport.
Travellers were forced to wait for as long as five hours to be cleared in Immigration after arrival at Piarco on Sunday, after only two of the 15 Immigration officers turned up for duty.
He said a report on the issue was sent to National Security Minister Edmund Dillon and was passed to Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi for advice. Based on preliminary consideration, he said “action is going to be taken” and if advice from the AG deems it fit, disciplinary action could be involved.
Arising out of the problems caused by the incident, Young said Government has called for a contingency plan to deal with such situations.