Caption: Former President Paula-Mae Weekes, left, with Chief Justice Ivor Archie and his wife

By Prior Beharry

CHIEF Justice Ivor Archie has announced he will retire on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, bringing an 18-year tenure as head of Trinidad and Tobago’s Judiciary to a close.

In a statement issued Tuesday evening, Archie said he had formally notified the Acting President of his decision. He noted he had previously signalled his impending departure during his address at the opening of the 2025–2026 law term.

“I wish to advise that that time has arrived and today I indicated to the Acting President  (Wade Mark) that I will retire on October 22nd 2025,” he said.

Archie added: “This country has been good to me. I hope that I have been equally good to my country. It has been an honour to serve. I wish my successor every success in the period ahead. May God guide his or her path as this new endeavour is commenced.”

Archie, who turned 65 on August 18, became Chief Justice in 2008. Although Parliament raised the judicial retirement age from 65 to 70 in 2020, he said he chose to retire—rather than resign—on his own terms before reaching 70.

No details were provided on the timing of the appointment of his successor.