The Supreme Court of the Judicature has condemned the inclusion of two Puisne Judges in a political party poster.
In a statement yesterday, the Court addressed the content of posters shared on Facebook by the People’s National Congress Reform, A Partnership for National Unity and at least one executive member of the Alliance For Change. The posters, which were subsequently removed, featured the images of Justices Gino Persaud and Simone Morris-Ramlall. Without identifying any person, the Court said in the terse statement that it was “calling on members of the public to refrain from associating Judges and Judicial Officers with any political party or activity.”
“The Judiciary reaffirms its independence and integrity and rejects any attempt to tarnish and discredit its reputation,” the statement added.
The posters, headlined “Confidence in Youth Leadership” and boasting “Promised Delivered,” identified several young professionals, including supporters of the governing coalition who hold leadership positions in state entities. However, several public servants, including the judges, were included in the post.
At the time of its initial posting, at least one lawyer pointed out to AFC Executive Michael Leonard that the judges should not have been included but it was not until the statement from the court that the posts were removed.
