Justice of Appeal, Satnarine Sharma, has been appointed Chief Justice. The brief announcement from President's House last night read: "His Excellency President Arthur NR Robinson, has been pleased to appoint the Honourable Mr Justice Satnarine Sharma, Justice of Appeal, as successor to the Honourable Michael de la Bastide TC., Chief Justice, who retires on July 18, 2002, on attaining the age of sixty-five (65) years."

Justice Sharma, aged 59, who hails from a family of lawyers, was called to the Bar in 1966. He began his legal practice in 1968, first in the Magistrates' Courts, and later in the High Court.

In December, 1983, Sharma was appointed a judge of the High Court, and three years later he was elevated to the Court of Appeal.

Justice Sharma has acted as Chief Justice on several occasions. Last night, Justice Sharma said he felt "honoured and privileged" to serve as Chief Justice. He has pledged certainly to carry on from where his predecessor left off. His wife, Kalowtee Sharma is an In-Flight Director at BWIA.

The couple has two sons - Shiva who is studying Law, and Keshav, who is pursuing Medicine. Last night Prime Minister Patrick Manning extended congratulations to Sharma on his elevation to the post.

"He is very well qualified for the position. He has distinguished himself on the Bench and I have no doubt he will make an excellent Chief Justice," Manning said. He said he wanted to congratulate Sharma on behalf of the Government and the people of Trinidad and Tobago.