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Small in stature but big in heart – that’s how those familiar with newly-appointed Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh describe him.
As TT’s ninth CJ settles into his new role, the schools that helped shape him are celebrating one of their own who has never forgotten his roots.
When Boodoosingh was sworn in on October 22 by acting President Wade Mark, less than 24 hours after the retirement announcement of his predecessor, Justice Ivor Archie, there was a quiet but palpable pride in the Sewlal Trace, Pepper Village and Fyzabad communities where he was born and raised, as well as in classrooms that helped build the man behind the robe.
At a special sitting of the Court of Appeal two days later, Boodoosingh acknowledged that the foundation for his career and character was laid long before his days in the judiciary or academia.
He told the gathering of judges and peers. “There is a reason I teach. Teachers provide a path for the future. I have been fortunate to learn from the best — and to pass that on.”
He credited teachers for shaping his path — from the gentle guidance of Miss Sucre and Miss Elvin in the infants’ department of Pepper Village Government, to the discipline and high expectations at Presentation College, and later the mentorship and camaraderie at Hugh Wooding Law School.
In a WhatsApp response to Newsday to identify some of those influencers, he added, “All the teachers influenced me. Those were days when teachers pushed those who were willing to work. I can trace my path to the very beginning, where the two teachers, as far back as in the infants’ department, gave me the start. All the teachers, after that, continued with being nurturing and dedicated. I mentioned it in the context of why I still take the time to teach.”
Pepper Village Government Primary School, established in 1967, holds a sentimental place in the CJ’s heart and the school’s pride runs deep.
Principal Michelle Ramlal said members of staff who would have grown up with and went to school were all elated, remembering him as a quiet, diligent boy.
“In fact, the entire Pepper Village community is proud of his achievement. We are planning to celebrate his elevation in a special way because he has never stopped supporting the school.
“Whenever we call, he never fails to acknowledge us. At graduation time, he still provides prizes and other forms of support. His humility and generosity are well-known.”
At his alma mater, Presentation College, San Fernando, CJ Boodoosingh’s name is spoken with equal reverence.
Principal Dexter Mitchell said the news of his appointment was met with jubilation.
“When it was announced, I got a call that very night from Mr Rolph Radhay, who taught him. You could feel the pride and joy in his (Radhay’s) voice that this was one of his students. He said Justice Boodoosingh never lost touch with him.”
While he did not have a personal relationship with Boodoosingh, Mitchell said, from all indications, “He seems to be an upright, humble person who the simplest of people can relate to. Presentation is again proud that one of its own has risen to one of the highest offices in the land.”
Mitchell chuckled as he recalled the timing of the announcement – coinciding with Presentation College’s football victory over rivals Naparima College.
“A few alumni didn’t sleep that night,” he said. “We were celebrating the football win and our new CJ.”
The school plans to acknowledge him at its upcoming prize day ceremony on November 25, as well as Chief of Defence Staff Commodore Don Polo, another Pres alumnus.
If there is one thread that connects Boodoosingh’s journey, it is his enduring love of teaching.
After completing his studies at the University of the West Indies and the Hugh Wooding Law School, he was admitted to legal practice in 1992. He went on to teach at Hugh Wooding for more than two decades, even after being appointed to the bench in 2007.
Hugh Wooding Law School Principal Rudranath Maharaj said the faculty was “ecstatic” at the news of his elevation.
“To say we’re extremely happy would be an understatement. His appointment is well-deserved and most well-suited. His temperament, scholarship, collaborative approach, and integrity – all those qualities will serve him well as CJ.”
Maharaj said the law school’s students adore his classes and hope the demands of his new role would not alter his teaching. “They would hope he continues teaching – and so would we. We’ll give him time to settle in, but we remain optimistic.”
The connection between Maharaj and Boodoosingh runs deeper as they are both Presentation College alumni.
“He joins a distinguished line of Pres men who have gone on to serve this country with distinction.
Two presidents – the late George Maxwell Richards, and Justice Anthony Carmona – two prime ministers, the late Patrick Manning and Basdeo Panday – former central bank governor Uric Bobb, former attorney general Faris Al-Rawi, two top soca stars, Kees and Machel Montano and other distinguished citizens in every realm,” Maharaj said.
For Jason Dailey, president of the Presentation College Past Students’ Association, Boodoosingh’s accessibility and willingness to serve stand out.
“During covid19, when we had our first virtual career fair, he gave the feature address. He’s the kind of person who, when called upon, responds and serves his alma mater well.
“He’s continuing a proud legacy of Pres men who’ve done yeoman service to the country. We’re truly elated.”
The association also plans to celebrate both Boodoosingh and Polo for their service and humility at upcoming alumni events.
Boodoosingh’s professional career – from prosecutor to private practitioner, from puisne judge to Court of Appeal, and now to CJ – is one marked not just by excellence, but gratitude.
A jurist of “exceptional distinction,” as described by the Judiciary, Boodoosingh continues to embody the qualities that his teachers nurtured decades ago – humility, fairness, and service.
As the nation’s newest CJ assumes this elevated position, he does so not only as a servant of the law but as a lifelong student of those who first taught him how to learn, to lead, and to give back.
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