New T&T AG sworn in, shoots down criticisms of inexperience

(Trinidad Express) Attorney General Garvin Nicholas has dismissed criticisms he was not experienced for the job, saying his work will speak for itself.

He was speaking to the media yesterday at the Office of the President in St Ann’s after receiving his instrument of appointment from President Anthony Carmona.

Nicholas replaces Anand Ramlogan as AG.

Ramlogan is currently under police investigation for allegedly attempting to pervert the course of justice, following an accusation by director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) David West that Ramlogan asked him to withdraw his witness statement in a defamation case he has against Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley in exchange for the PCA job.

Questioned on the view by Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner that he was not experienced for the job, Nicholas responded: “I will deal with serious questions.”

Garvin Nicholas
Garvin Nicholas

Told it is a serious question as it comes from a member of Parliament, Nicholas said, “The reality is Mr Warner will criticise any and everything; I cannot understand his rationale for determining to be inexperienced. I am a lawyer of some 14 years’ call, I have had experience at the bar in the United Kingdom where I served with distinction, and I am a member of one of the largest and oldest set of chambers in the UK.

“I have served here in Trinidad and Tobago, and my experience as high commissioner has put me in touch with the leading personalities in the legal system in the United Kingdom where I worked very closely with them as they worked closely with the Attorney General’s office in Trinidad and Tobago, so I don’t understand Mr Warner’s concerns. However, I always let my work talk as opposed to my words talk,” said Nicholas.

Nicholas said the fight against crime will be a top priority.

“Crime fighting is of course one of the number one priorities in Trinidad and Tobago. Over the last four and a half years, we have seen a considerable reduction in crime at all levels, and it is my aim to do whatever I can to ensure that comes down to far more acceptable levels,” he said.

He said although crime has been reduced, there was quite a way to go and the Attorney General’s office will play its part as far as that is concerned.

“As ou aware, the Prime Minister has clearly stated that some 90 per cent of the work has been done; there remains ten per cent to be done and I have to determine what that ten per cent is; once that is determined, I would be moving swiftly with the legislative agenda of the Government to ensure that we complete it by the end of our term,” said Nicholas.

Nicholas said he cannot speak about any legal matters as it relates to the Attorney General’s office.