Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago, Ivor Archie, has confirmed that 2025 will be his final year serving in the position.
He announced this at the opening of the 2025–2026 law term this morning.
“I have decided to retire, not resign, retire, at a time of my own choosing and not to wait until I reach the age of 70. There will always be unfinished business no matter when I leave, but I have decided to retire during this term, so this will be my last speech.”
CJ Archie has been at the helm of the Judiciary for approximately seventeen-and-a-half years.
He emphasised the importance of having a life beyond the role of Chief Justice, noting that high public office demands significant sacrifices of family, personal interests, and individual freedom.
He recalled that when he was appointed Chief Justice in 2008, the retirement age was sixty-five, later amended to seventy. He stated that he had always intended to serve until sixty-five, and that intention remains unchanged.
“The office of Chief Justice is not private property or something you own or cling to. It is a sacred baton held in trust for one’s successors and the nation. I am but a single runner in a never-ending relay, and the baton must be passed at some time. As any runner will tell you, the race is compromised if you don’t pass in the zone, and I am in my zone.”