Justice of Appeal Prakash Moosai’s 29-year judicial career and contribution to the development of the law were recognised during a special sitting of the Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday, as colleagues reflected on his service, landmark judgments and legacy.
At the special sitting, Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh noted that Justice Moosai’s transition from private practice to the bench was marked by versatility and a willingness to serve wherever he was needed.
“He spent many years on both the civil and criminal bench in the High Court, and he brought versatility to the judge role. He dutifully moved from court to court as he was needed. With his retirement, an era will end. He had been appointed a judge before the turn of the last century, first, temporarily, in 1997, and then permanently in 1998. He has therefore served the Judiciary for just under 30 years in all.”
Attorney General John Jeremie SC highlighted the lasting significance of Justice Moosai’s contribution to public law, particularly his interpretation of the Freedom of Information legislation.
“These are words that resonate today and will undoubtedly in the years to come. That passage has been cited by your brothers in the High Court and in the Court of Appeal. They explain why access to information matters to citizens’ ability to scrutinise public power and to participate meaningfully in national life.”
Reflecting on his judicial journey, Justice Moosai emphasised that the role of a judge extends beyond resolving disputes. He said judicial decisions carry consequences for the wider legal system and must be approached with an understanding of the rights of every individual, regardless of their social or economic standing.
“My appointment to the Court of Appeal 13 years ago brought with it what I consider to have been the most intellectually demanding and challenging period of my judicial career. An appellate judge is entrusted not merely with resolving individual disputes but with interpreting, clarifying, and, where appropriate, developing the law. We must always remain conscious that our decisions may establish precedents governing countless cases yet to come.”
As he brings his judicial career to a close, Justice Moosai reflected on the privilege of serving the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
“I leave the bench knowing that I’ve had the extraordinary privilege of serving the people of Trinidad and Tobago for 29 years and that I’ve endeavoured to the best of my ability to discharge that responsibility faithfully and conscientiously. But I also leave with a comforting knowledge that while one important chapter of my life has come to an end, another is beginning, one in which I hope to give more freely of my time to those who have given so much of themselves to me.”