Will U.D.P. Challenge Appointment of Justices?

Michael Peyrefitte

While in Opposition, the U.D.P. agitated for Chief Justice Manuel Sosa to be removed back in 1998.  One of reasons given was that the consultation process wasn’t meaningful. So, will the U.D.P. challenge these Court of Appeal appointments, considering that they are not satisfied with the consultation process of the Briceño Administration?

Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, U.D.P.

“We are not ruling out anything but then again we are not saying for sure – had there not been a letter at all then for sure the United Democratic Party is going to challenge that. But there being a letter, and then we have to consider our options. But indeed what I would want for the government to say is why in this instance was it not done the way it is always done? In the sense that there is a clear attempt to get the input of the opposition whenever the Prime Minister needs to make appointments that requires consultation with the leader of the opposition. All these appointments that are done, in my subjective opinion, are far less important than Court of Appeal judges. Great steps are taken for us to be consulted and so why in this case none of that was done when you are talking about the second highest court in the land?”