Senior Reporter
kay-marie.fletcher@guardian.co.tt
Criminal Bar Association (CBA) president Israel Khan, SC, has extended congratulations to the newly appointed senior counsels.
However, when it comes to Rural Development and Local Government Minister Faris Al-Rawi, Khan is questioning the legitimacy of the title, calling out Al-Rawi’s involvement with the indemnity agreement from Vincent Nelson in relation to the criminal charges against former attorney general Anand Ramlogan. SC.
Khan said, “I wish to extend hearty congratulations to the members of the Criminal Bar on their elevations to the Inner Bar, namely Keith Scotland, Gregory Delzin, Lee Merry, Hasine Shaikh and Elaine Green. Their awards were based on their merit, ability and integrity and the CBA wishes them every success in the profession and their private lives. The CBA is still in need of about seven ‘silk’ to service the criminal justice system and we hope in the fullness of time we will have our full complement of senior counsel.”
He added, “In relation to Faris Al-Rawi, SC, it appears that he has been exonerated from all wrongdoings in relation to the “Indemnity Agreement” he procured from Vincent Nelson in relation to the criminal charges of corruption against former AG Ramlogan, SC. And if this is a fact, no one can begrudge him being granted ‘silk’. He is not really an advocate (barrister) but rather a very good instructing attorney (solicitor) and having served seven years in the political gayellle as AG, the CBA congratulates him on his award of ‘silk’. He could really talk—but it is more politics than law he talks.”
Prior to this statement congratulating the newly minted senior counsels, Khan had threatened to seek an injunction if Attorney General Reginald Armour did not agree to stop the ongoing application process for the appointment of SCs. Khan also previously called for the process by which “silk” is appointed to be reviewed.