C.J. declines to recuse himself in Meerabux case

Opening arguments began today in the Supreme Court where embattled Justice George Meerabux is seeking to stop the Governor General from taking steps to remove him from the bench. Meerabux’s attorney, Kirk Anderson, argued before Chief Justice Abdulai Conteh that he should recuse himself from the case because of his alleged personal involvement in discussing the matter with both Meerabux and Governor General Sir Colville Young. Conteh declined to recuse himself, saying that there was no valid reason to do so and it was his duty to carry out his judicial responsibilities. This afternoon the Chief Justice also agreed to join the Belize Bar Association as an interested party in the case. The action will proceed on Wednesday, at which time Anderson will continue his arguments that the Governor General’s actions to remove Meerabux are contrary to his client’s rights under natural law.