The Leader of the Opposition has issued a Statement taking issue with the appointment of the newest Justice of Appeal. His Statement is unfortunate and appears to seek to besmirch not only the process of appointment, but also to besmirch the Learned Justice of Appeal. This is unworthy of a person holding the constitutional office of Leader of the Opposition.

As to the process of appointment. The Leader of the Opposition is aware that all the mandates of Article 99 of the Constitution were strictly adhered to. The Learned Justice of Appeal has held “high judicial office” as a Supreme Court Justice [Article 99(2)(a)] for many years, and has fully satisfied the constitutional qualification for appointment as a Justice of Appeal.

The Prime Minister, in accordance with Article 99(1) of the Constitution, duly consulted with the Leader of the Opposition.

His Statement can only be viewed as a highly politicized attack, aimed at the Constitution itself, and the Learned Justice of Appeal personally.

Similarly, the Learned Justice of Appeal has never been accused of any “misbehavior” or “inability” in the performance of her judicial responsibilities throughout the decades of her service to the Judiciary and the Bahamian People.

The Leader of the Opposition’s Statement is, therefore, abusive both of the Constitution