Reverend Dr. Gordon A.R. Edwards, Sr. Challenges Bar Association’s Stance on Judicial Criticism
Reverend Dr. Gordon A.R. Edwards, Sr. has voiced his objection to the Bar Association’s recent position regarding the criticism of the judiciary.
Rev. Dr. Edwards asserts that criticism of the judiciary’s actions and decisions should not be classified as an attack but rather as an essential component of democratic accountability.
The Bar Association recently expressed concern that certain criticisms directed at the judiciary amounted to unwarranted attacks, undermining the independence and integrity of the legal system.
However, Rev. Dr. Edwards vehemently disagrees with this characterization, arguing that the judiciary, like all branches of government, must remain subject to public scrutiny.
“The judiciary is but one branch of government,” Rev. Dr. Edwards stated.
“All branches of government are in the same boat, meaning that their actions are never above criticism. Criticism is one of the ways the judiciary is held accountable. If not the people and the other two branches of government, who else has the right, authority, and power to hold the judiciary accountable?”
Rev. Dr. Edwards questioned the implications of shielding the judiciary from critique, suggesting that such a stance could lead to a dangerous perception of the judiciary as infallible or beyond reproach.
“If you hold that the judiciary should never be questioned or criticized (closely examined), then what are you saying about the judiciary? That it is above critique? How do you fix something if you do not closely examine it and point out its failures?”
He also raised concerns about the interpretation and application of laws, challenging the notion that the judiciary is immune to error.
“The Bar Association contends that the judiciary interprets the laws and applies them: does this mean that the judiciary is never in error in its interpretation and application of the laws? And what is your recourse if it is believed to be in error? Are you contending then that only the judiciary can ‘police’ itself?”
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Rev. Dr. Edwards’ critique extends to the potential consequences of a judiciary that is insulated from criticism.
He warned that if the judiciary fails to act in the public’s interest and is not open to scrutiny, it risks becoming “redundant and ineffectual,” possibly even “irrelevant.”
He added, “To declare that the judiciary is shielded from criticism is to not only subordinate the people’s will to its own but more so it voids and subverts the mind, will, and purpose for which it was intended.”
He called upon the Bar Association and the judiciary to embrace criticism as a healthy part of governance, akin to how the executive and legislative branches are subject to public evaluation.
“The Bar Association and the judiciary should be willing to accept criticism just as the other two branches of government receive.”
In a final provocative question, Rev. Dr. Edwards challenged the notion that public officials, including the Prime Minister, lose their right to criticize the judiciary upon assuming office.
“When did the PM or any public official stop being a citizen of the country so that his/their right as a citizen to criticize the other branches of government ceases?”
Rev. Dr. Edwards concluded his statement with a powerful reminder of the role of criticism in democracy. “We criticize for the better and we keep silent at our peril.”
Rev. Dr. Edwards’ comments are likely to stir further debate on the balance between judicial independence and accountability in the country.
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Maybe the reverend did not comprehend what most intelligent person were saying. The PM would be more at fault for the rise in crime than the judiciary would be. We are talking about this specific issue, well, I am talking about the specific issue of blaming the judiciary for the rise in crime. It makes no sense to those with sense.
I do not believe the judiciary is some supreme entity that cannot be monitored, and their rulings/decisions can’t be critique but it is highly ignorant and outrageous for the other branch to operate as if most blame should be on a judiciary, in this case, for the executive and legislative branches of government failure to reduce opportunities for crime to be committed and for those Jamaicans with criminal record to have entered the country and commit vicious crimes. Letting it appear as if the Judiciary is only entity at fault or mainly at fault is outrageous, illogical and truly dumb (I have no better word to use).
So reverend, focus. Do not be distracted sir, use wisdom.
Even in the USA the President criticizes certain judgments of the US Supreme Court. Such as the Roe vs Wade ruling and the Campaign Financing that allowed that allowed citizen to contribute any amount they wish to a political party. So this is normal in any democracy. Not one institution is above reproach. All are subject to the Constitution. Only God is above ALL. What we need to do is to investigate Judges more frequently to ensure they are without flaws and not stray away from the path of righteousness. We have now seen how some of the Judges in the US Supreme Court are as corrupt as they come. Such as US Supreme Court Judge Clarence Thomas. We need a body to continuously scrutinize our Judges and Magistrates. Not wait until we have complains. In certain companies one is screened before they get hired. And once they are hired no one is scrutinizing them again. And that practice came to a hold when certain employees were found to be involved in shady and illicit practices. So now ongoing scrutiny is done by an outside agency every year to ensure the employees meet the highest standard.
I wonder if we should start electing our Judges and Magistrates. Cause in my opinion the Prime Minister is elected by the people for the People. And when he speaks he does that on behalf of the people. Who elects the judges? Maybe we should start considering that.
how many in the Judiciary pleadged their heart and soul to HYRAM ABIFF????
@My way.. Arn’t you the same person who when his father was found liable(Yes the Jamaican youth he cripled), by a local court, made clear that the judicial system did not work properly? . Recall you arguing that the judicial system here is broken and pointing to the need to keep the Privy counsel in order for things to not be worse. My.. its only wrong when it involves one of your family members? The police themselves have publicly stated that the judges are too lenient and it creates a problem for law enforcement. You are also aware that in the US, politicians (including its current president) have made clear they have major issues with especially the US Supreme court and especially the democrats, have called for reform
I watched in amazement when PM Gonsalves and Motley were subjected to scatting criticism bordering on abuse. They were saying back them what Gaston is now harping on.
This Reverend Dr. Gordon A.R. Edwards, Sr. is nothing but a hypocrite and political whore.
Where was he when the Caribbean Bar Association when the Caribbean Bar Association issued an ill-conceived and biting criticism of Ralph Gonsalves and Mia Motley?
Where was he when the Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association piled on with their own poorly written critical statement. Was he still breast feeding or in the seminary?
Was the recently aware Rev. Edwards nodding under Gaston’s table waiting for the crumbs to fall?
It was much easier for the issue to be addressed as a regional judicial reform undertaking rather than every little want-to-be political hack chiming in.
I watched in amazement when PM Gonsalves and Motley ware taken to the woodshed.
I don’t recall one editorial, one other minister of government throughout the Eastern Caribbean: or one other Prime Minister coming to Motley and Gonsalves defense.
The chickens are coming home to roost
Ironically it was at a regional conference on crime at a religious university and Antigua had no representation.
https://occba.org/statement-by-the-oecs-bar-association/
https://www.iwnsvg.com/2023/04/28/
regional-lawyers-criticise-pms-gonsalves-mottley-over-statements-about-judiciary/
I am so happy this is being discussed. Our Bar Association wants the status quo to remain because the lawyers themselves face no scrutiny. Few of our lawyers, do any law. They get together and make deals. The integrity of the judiciary is also in question in all our islands, not just here. We need an ombudsman with powers just for the lawyers in this country. Many people have been screwed and ripped off by these same sanctimonious lawyers.
I remember when Giselle Isaac was critical of the court some years ago over the delay in the election case, the bar association came out and had alot to say about her criticism
Where was the so-called reverend and the other apologist for the government to defend her right to criticize the same judiciary?
Wow, so called reverend? At least, he has no fear of being called my his given and known name. What’s yours? And Barbuda J’aime, are you suggesting that Rev. Gordon A R Edwards Phd, PsyD, LMFT, LPsyA who is a born and bred Antiguan does not have the right to speak as he chooses, on matters affecting his country, but should investigate and respond to issues relative to Ralph Gonsalves and Mia Mottley? And why stop there, what of issues relative to Andrew Holness, Keith Rowley, Dr. Drew, PM Skerritt, Philip J. Pierre, the famous Robert Mogabe and all the other world leaders? Should he just go about addressing the world’s concerns? You see how shallow your thoughts reflect? Did you shout your disapproval of any of the issues for which you now condemn Dr. Edwards? Was your voice heard on those matters? But then again, who cares? And what the heck do you mean by him nodding and waiting for crumbs from PM Gaston’s table? I wouldn’t even bother to address that nonsensical statement. You are probably speaking of your own desires and may also be spurting from your own drunken, sh!!+y foolishness! I always find it amazing that when someone makes a comment with which others may not agree that, those misfits can only find comfort in attacking the contributor’s character. When did you all earn the right to dictate as to what Rev. Edwards should or should not respond? C’mon man, address the issues, contribute meaningfully to the conversation or shut the hell up!!!
Barbuda J’aime, Cool Ruler, and my way of helping: it is interesting how fools choose to remain fools simply because they suffer the consequences of a vacuous head or brain. Because you didn’t hear or read what I might have said on other issues related or unrelated to the issue being engaged, does not make me a hypocrite; your ignorance is manifesting. If you were properly trained you’d be able to discern that my reasoned position was not political. However your pea-sized brains would not allow you to recognize the difference; a child of elementary school age would have recognized the difference. There: I said it and I really do not care what either one of you say.
@Barbuda J’aime
He is a political whore? Who taught you that word? Where did you hear it? Do you even understand what it means? O, please!!!! Go suck on a live starfish! You should know how to catch a few!
so called reverend is probably one of those who just awoken from his comatose state of mind.
Not everyone that have reverend before their name should be taken seriously and I suspect this charlatan is on of them.
Who is using the Reverend’s name here? No Reverend would respond with that evil, ignorance and dunceness.
The revenerand would have read that I said scrutinizing the court’s orders/judgments I am not against.
I am against the ignorance of thinking a court of law has more blame in this rising crime than those in the executive and legislative branch.
The executive enforces laws, legislative make laws that usually is binding on the follow (court must follow as long as the law is constitutional).
A person with knowledge of the law and the criminal justice system would be competent enough to comprehend the kind of blame being levied on a court of law for rising crime cannot ne more than the blame for the executive and legislative but only education and intelligence would allow this person pretending to be the Reverend understand.
You can blame the court for whatever but this cannot be one of them. Not easily.
Oh, sorry, I forgot to put my BA, MA, JD behind my name but I usually do not do that. Even a AAS but they say that is not mentioned if you acquire any degree above it.
@Tenman, what does your point have to do with me saying the courts are not to blame in any significant wants for the serious and vicious crimes occurring because of the executive and legislative branch lack of creativity, and utilitizing experts to reduce crimes?
How on this earth does anything you are saying that I said about a completely different topic has anything to do with the topic at hand?
I do not think the court has substantial ability to stop and deter crimes that the PM, AG, Police, executive and legislative branch of government has. Which means they cannot be blamed in the manner the PM is trying to shift blame from himself and his government.
That is my only point. You ever heard the term objections for relevance, I am invoking that now. Two different points. Completely different sir.
One final thing, read all my post about this topic, it starts with, I am not against critiquing a court’s ruling but to blame them for crime increase or to say they are more at fault than the executive and legislative branches of government, i cannot agree. No expert or learnt person in this field could ever agree. My expertise in this field will not allow me to agree to that.
M ARLENE R. EDWARDS…? …SUCK ON STARFISH…? ‘…TICKLED MY FANCY.
This is neither my Page, nor liking.
Read all these comments, and this one ‘…TICKLED MY FANCY.’
Assumedly, the name suggests a female.
Now, could not understand why ‘…M ARLENE R. EDWARDS,’ urge any man to ‘…SUCK STARFISH.’
QUESTIONS:
(i) ‘…Just what is to be derived in ‘…SUCKING STARFISH:
(ii) …Aren’t there any other ‘…FISH,’ without ‘…STAR,’ Arlene?’
(ii) …Has ‘…CHRISTO’S’ stop selling ‘…LING AND SALTFISH?’
MIGHTY SPARROW’S SALTFISH SONG
If only in jest, ‘…ARLENE’ may have suggested that the ‘…GOODLY BARBUDA J’AIME,’ listen to the ‘…Mighty Sparrow’s ‘…SALTFISH SONG’ [YouTube].
Unless ‘…ARLENE,’ has other meaning, hearing is in the ‘…SINGING,’ and certainly, ‘…TASTING’ is in the ‘…EATING.’
Blessed Saturday, ARLENE. Tell ‘…JAIME’ it is ‘…SCATHING.’
STILL, KEEP THE DARN COMMENTS CLEAN.
SCENE…! OR …SEEN, whichever.
Religion and politics are from the same [root]/Order simply different branches of the same tree. Therefore, it’s never surprising when the sermons from their pedestal’s support each other.
It’s time to start TAXING the for-profit business of religion.
Politics and religion are partners in crime.
Jumbee_Picknee aka Ras Smood
De’Ole Dutty Peg🦉Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
@M Arlene R. Edwards,
I really do not wish to quibble with far fetched reasoning.
There was an opportunity to support and open discussions on crime across the Caribbean.
The local bar association was critical as they are now concerning judicial behavior.
Rev. Dr. Gordon A R Edwards, Sr.
don’t play your game with me.
I refer to your written words Rev.
“Because you didn’t hear or read what I might have said on other issues related or unrelated to the issue being engaged, does not make me a hypocrite”
If you are not a hypocrite then point me to those links or point me to the instances when and where you have weighted in or engaged in the issue or on the related subject matter.
This is the link back then which I’m addressing.
https://antiguaobserver.com/oecs-bar-association-condemns-unfair-unwarranted-attacks-on-the-judiciary-by-certain-caricom-leaders/
It’s not that I disagree with what you wrote. It is the opportunistic nature of your writing which supports my position that the public is emotionally immature with short memory.
I say you are a hypocrite on the subject matter, for in April of 2023 it was an Antiguan and Barbuda issue as well as a wider Eastern Caribbean issue on the very subject matter.
Not a word from civil society of which the ecumenicals are a part of. Now everyone is outraged.
See Rev. you and the other Ecumenicals pray over Cabinet Ministers weekly. The very forum and proceeding where many of the evil that grips this country takes place.
I challenge you to point out where you addressed the subject matter. Not only you but any editor or religious leader who addressed the subject when Motley and Gonsalves were pilloried by the Caribbean Bar Association and the Antigua Bar Association.
I’d admit I insulted you. And I doubt you would have weighed back in if I didn’t step on your corn.
But whores no longer walk the streets, the internet is their tool.
I’m teeing up to deal with thieving Gaston as he is trying to hand over our land to Bulgarians. We will see him at the Privy Council again.
Of course Rev. you’ll have nothing to say so long as you get a piece.
@Tenman aka #da_🦎_Chameleon, of many Hughes, starring as Madea’s Clone in Mrs. Condescending, alongside #Top_🍖_Dawg and #From_da_Sidelines.
I was staring to ponder, as to whether or not, you use your chameleon powers and became “Less We Forget;” similar style, with some hidden objectives like #ALL of us #Legal_Sinners do here in this realm, at this dispensation!
However, How are you doing? Even #Frenamies get greetings, seen!
Pompey, your buddy used, “scene and seen…”
But let, just use #Dadli_Seen pan de #Scene! Seen💀!
I won’t run throw you, like a dose of Cascara, Epsom salt, nor a Covallee dat feed pan de capper_bank!
I see your PM Gaston Browne has…
A…sold his farm or a percentage thereof, after he spearheaded the decriminalisation of the female hemp plant, put the infrastructure in place to accommodate #FARMING (Agriculture), from offering tax incentives, perks to now using AGRICULTURE, as a way, to rehabilitate the so called #GANGSTERS now running amok around the island like #fire_Ants living in their sagging box shorts…🎶🎶🎼kum een FLAMES – sho dem U boxer shorts!
Before, I slam the door shut on the BRSPG – Bon…… Ras….. S… P… Gas…, I’m giving this opportunity, to admit, that you were totally wrong regarding AGRICULTURE and the vital roles which it plays in any DEVELOPING NATION, that is trying to establish itself as a #Powerhouse,
Just like you #hyped the use of DRONES by law enforcement agencies, now that they’re trying to implement their use in Crime Fighting, they’re using yesterday’s technology, they need technologies used by GOOGLE EARTH etc, for better coordinations and triangulations, due to the lack lighting in areas at night and piss poor street signage and the numbering of property’s(this is an easy project for kids into coding and AI Apps). Now, since you’re probably kissinf up to Anthony Smith, as he spits in the air, please don’t open your mouth, look up and try to be a good sport and catch it with an #Open_👄_mouth. I’m just referencing one of your Harold Lovell and C. Tabor, encounters; so, tell GASTON he now needs a SUPER MINISTRY made up of EDUCATION – AGRICULTURE – HEALTHCARE under one umbrella!
Again Mr. Chameleon_🦎_Tenman, GASTON BROWNE, PM is looking for #SCAPEGOATS to pass his Ruling Arm of the Government fuck ups to.
By the way, UPP also need a colonic with their (hardbound) and moribund moves, as a political party. It’s no wonder, the youths, the expats, the denizens, the CIPERS are doing what they feel like doing in Antigua.
Jumbee Picknee aka Ras Smood
De’ole Dutty Peg👣Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
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