– as Chang slated to retire Feb

With the acting Chief Justice (CJ) Ian Chang soon to retire, the search has commenced for a new Chief Justice. This

Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang

could only happen, however, after meaningful consultations are done between the Government and the Opposition. Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams on Wednesday disclosed that he was currently in discussion with President David Granger about recommendations for a new Chief Justice. Justice Chang, who has been acting in the position since 2000, is heading on pre-retirement leave. “The question of a vacancy occurring in the Office of Chief Justice would arise very shortly and when the Chief Justice goes on leave, obviously somebody has to act in his position,” Williams told a news conference. The CJ will be proceeding on more than 10 weeks of leave. The constitutional reform process of 2000 introduced mechanisms for meaningful consultations with the Leader of the Opposition for certain appointments. The reform process itself made the approval of the Leader of the Opposition necessary for some appointments, particularly those of the Chancellor and Chief Justice.