ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, Tues. Feb. 22, 2005: The wearing of red arm-bands is the latest method of protest adopted by members of the Grenada Bar Association, who continue to complain about the government’s nominee to the post of attorney general. This is the fourth week of protest by Bar Association members, who say they are not complaining about the Jamaican-born Hugh Wildman’s qualifications, but his professional behaviour, which they claim, includes using threatening language to a lawyer and condemning the judgement of justices. The effort has so far won support from the Grenada Trade Union Council and the Inter-Agency Group of Developmental Organization. The IAGDO, in a letter addressed to the President of the Grenada Bar, Ruggles Ferguson, recently stated, “We have studied closely the evidence put before us and we agree that in order to uphold and promote the rule of law and to protect the integrity of the office of Attorney-General in Grenada, the appointment cannot be supported.” They added, “As you are aware, our agencies work with the most disenfranchised and vulnerable sections of the community therefore, we are concerned that these groups will be even more marginalized should the institutions of the justice system be compromised in any way by those who choose to behave improperly and in a manner unbecoming of the public office they hold, in this case the position of attorney general.” But in an address to the nation last Friday, Minister for Legal Affairs, Elvin Nimrod, strongly condemned what he termed was the radical and inappropriate use of industrial action by some members of the Bar Association. “Not only is such action a direct challenge to the legitimate authority of the government, but it is also depriving you, the citizens, of your constitutional rights to your day in court,” said Nimrod, in a fifteen-minute address. “When you are denied access to the justice system, what does this tell us about those who should be representing you in court? It tells us that their political agenda surpasses their responsibilities and commitments to their clients.” By law government has the legal and constitutional right to propose a candidate of its choice for appointment to the post of attorney general, and according to Minister Nimrod, Wildman is a well-qualified and competent person to serve in the post. Reprinted from hardbeatnews.com