Justice Chang was not a ‘timorous soul’

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, Monday, November 18, 2019.

GEORGETOWN – Prime Minister, Honourable Moses Nagamootoo, has expressed condolence at the passing of Justice Ian Chang, late Senior Counsel and former Acting Chief Justice.

While he practised as an Attorney, the Prime Minister had applauded Justice Chang for his bold decisions, which he had invariably reduced into writing and made available to attorneys.

Justice Chang was always approachable, an almost grassroot-type jurist, who was willing and ready to advise on complex legal issues. He was popular among members of the Bar for his introduction of what became known as the ‘Happy Hour’ when he would accede to applications for bail for persons on trial for serious offenses including, on at least one occasion, the capital offense of murder.

Justice Chang has made his mark on our judicial system, and whether or not his decisions were popular, it cannot be said that His Honour was ‘a timorous soul’.