Will Chief Justice Conteh retire in 2010?

Abdulai Conteh

Attorney General Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington told News Five late last year that the government would be advertising the post of Chief Justice since the CJ, Abdulai Conteh, is reaching retirement age. At the opening of the Supreme Court this morning, the CJ himself said that many have been talking about his possible retirement in 2010. But he said this is mere speculation.  Chief Justice Conteh told the court that he has always carried out his duties to the best of his ability with malice toward none. But when News Five asked the Attorney General about the CJ status, he said that’s for the prime minister to determine.

Dr. Abdulai Conteh, Chief Justice

“For me as Chief Justice it has been an honour and privilege to serve the people of Belize. When the time comes, as constitutionalists provided for in Belize for me to demit office, make no mistake, I shall by God’s grace do so, fortified in the knowledge that I have throughout my tenure as Chief Justice been unfailingly loyal to the judicial oath. I did in the course of my tenure—and I continue to do—right to all manner of people, without fair or favor, affliction or ill will. This oath is epitomized by the artist in the figure of lady justice blindfolded with a sword and holding evenly the scales of justice. It is possible that in some instances I might not have quite measured up to some expectations, but I can say without equivocation that in every instance, I have personally tried and I have constantly exhorted my colleagues and magistrates as well to judge fairly and impartially without fair or favour.”

Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington, Attorney General

“The question of whether he will be given an extended time is not a matter that I have control over. The Attorney General has no control over judges’ appointment or the extent of their tenure. That’s a matter that is exclusively for the Prime Minister and he has no obligation even to discuss the matter with me.  His only obligation I know is to consult with the Leader of the Opposition, not with the Attorney General.  And so I’m not competent to speak on the future of the Chief Justice, if and when his tenure comes to an end.”