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Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj says Chief Justice Ivor Archie’s announcement that he will retire early from the position came as a surprise to him.

Archie, 65, addressing members of the judiciary during the ceremonial opening of the law term on September 16, revealed he intends to step down from his post he has held for the past 17 years.

He did not give a timeframe but noted someone else will be delivering the feature address at next year’s ceremonial opening.