T&T Chief Justice Gets Top National Award

SCARBOROUGH, Tobago CMC – President Anthony Carmona has bestowed Trinidad and Tobago’s highest national award on Chief Justice Ivor Archie as the country prepares to celebrate its 51st anniversary of political independence from Britain on Saturday.

Justice Archie was awarded the “Oder of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago” at a ceremony here in the presence of his parents, his wife, Denise and daughter Dr. Chinyere Archie as well as the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Orville London.

Justice Archie dedicated the award to his mother, whom he said opened up the doors of their home in Scarborough, teaching three generations of Tobagonians selflessly without charging a fee.

President Carmona, a former High Court judge, said the Chief Justice has been at the helm of many initiatives geared towards the improvement of the administration of justice.

“As a result of his efforts, our courts today are utilising state of the art communication technology, the Judiciary is working much more closely and effectively collaborating with stakeholders in the justice sector, there is a strong emphasis on service to citizens as customers of the courts, and all of this in fulfilment of a vision that he has had for transforming the Judiciary into a high performing and professional organisation,” Carmona said.

He said he hopes the fact that the ceremony was taking place in Tobago, where Justice Archie was born, would serve as an inspiration to the youths of the island.

“I trust that it will encourage others to continue the tradition of service and commitment to excellence that has been established by so many distinguished Tobagonians over the years,” Carmona said.

For the first time since gaining independence, the annual awards ceremony will take place in San Fernando, south of the capital in Trinidad, rather than at the Presidents House.