IN 2014, a tape surfaced on which the then Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs in the Donald Ramotar Government, Anil Nandlall, was heard saying that he is from a better caste than Bharrat Jagdeo. According to him, he is of the Chatree caste. In the Hindu caste system he would fall in the class of nobility and is expected to be of superior moral standing. Transporting the characteristics of the caste system into the legal profession, it has historically been the beneficiary of people seeing it as comprising of persons of superior intellect and the crème de la crème of society.

This same Chatree in that tape was engaging in the act of seeking to pimp a woman to sleep with his uncle, in the most ignoble of language. The voice on the tape was also heard threatening the Kaieteur News and by extension its publisher and workers, in prophesying that people will walk into the office with “their weapon….and wha come shall do.”
In 2015, the PPP/C lost the Executive and Nandlall no longer holds the Chatree position of Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs. It is now held by APNU+AFC Basil Williams. The holder of this office is not only the Government’s legal adviser, but also titular head of the Bar. Since the tables have turned, the society has had to take up a ringside seat to the continual gruelling fight between these two Chatrees, though Basil can make claim to seniority, with his recent evaluation to the honourable title of Senior Counsel.

The cockfight, even to the casual observer, is that of two cocks jumping at each other, testing the dexterity and weaknesses of the other, and in the process of picking at each other and instilling wounds, waiting for the other to be caught off guard in order to knock him out. Nandlall has publicly communicated his disdain and disregard for Williams and his intellect, and one senses a not dissimilar view by Williams of Nandlall.
When this government takes positions on issues where there are legal implications, Nandlall is the face decrying its actions, and making accusations of the administration operating outside of the law. The desire between the two, to draw the blood of the other, has seen them appearing in court and in meetings to have interpretation of the Guyana Constitution, behaving as though there is a duel and not the need to have legal questions resolved. These antics continue to spill out into the media, in a personal way, leaving persons dumbfounded as to their actions, given what is at stake i.e. the Rule of Law.

Last week the nation witnessed, what it is hoped will be the first and last experience, where the High Court got ensnared in the two prancing around, looking for that vulnerable moment to move in. Nandlall went to the media and accused Williams of threatening Justice Franklyn Holder during a hearing in which both appeared. According to him, Williams told the judge that the last magistrate who did this to him was found dead. Williams countered by saying his reference was taken out of context.  As the story unfolded, it was also learnt that Williams allegedly accused the judge of giving preferential treatment to Nandlall. Now the judiciary has been dragged into the ring.

When Nandlall’s tape was made public, then President Ramotar came out in defence of his Chatree. In October 2014, his administration said, “We stand by the Attorney General, as the Government of Guyana goes out of its way to foster peace and goodwill. We believe in the integrity and professionalism of the Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr Anil Nandlall, and stand by him.” The administration went as far as saying, “the recording contains a distorted, manipulated conversation.”

When President David Granger was asked his opinion on the conduct of his Chatree in court, he reportedly responded that he needs to hear from him first.  The president has accordingly said, “I have asked for an explanation of the matters which were reported to me and when I have had that opportunity I will respond to him and the Chancellor of the Judiciary, but I am very confident that the matter will be resolved.” He also noted that “in Law there is the principle to hear the other side, so we mustn’t jump to conclusions, so I want to hear both sides.” The people will await the government’s pronouncement.

Let me make it very clear, looking at this issue through soft lens, in no way, shape, or form, it is intended to dismiss or devalue the seriousness of what is transpiring, the responsibility that comes with the office, and the integrity and judicious comport required of the holder of  the office. This is a matter of grave national import and should be treated as such.
One of the bright spots of the legal fraternity that has shown up in recent times is the public involvement on the interpretation of the Guyana Constitution by Professor Justice Duke Pollard and former Chancellor of the Judiciary and former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Keith Massiah. These men are of active and agile minds and continue to make their profession proud. Such calibre should be valued and the fact that they are remaining engaged make them not only assets in the mentorship of society, but also worthy counsel to the State/Government.