John Jeremie has been appointed as this country’s Attorney General once again, marking his third time in the role and his first stint under the United National Congress (UNC) administration, led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

He previously served as AG under the PNM in two separate administrations led by former prime minister Patrick Manning.

His first term ran from 2003 to 2007 and he resumed the position from 2009 to 2010.

After he was sworn in on May 1, John said it was an honour but a huge responsibility.

“I really meant what I said on the campaign trail, I feel that Trinidad and Tobago is at a point now in its history, an infection point, and that we are pretty close to the brink of disaster, that is my feeling.

“The AG’s office is a rule of law office and there are some things that have taken place over last couple weeks in particular and even stretching out beyond that, over the last government’s term, which I am very concerned about.”

John declined to go into details at first but then cited a very high legal bill coming out of the AG’s office.

Asked to respond to comments made about his appearance on a UNC platform before the election, John said the comments about reflected more on those who made them.

Asked about what he brings to the office, he said, “Experience for one, I’ve served before two terms with the prime minister of a different party.

“This prime minister would have considered that I brought value.”

He said Persad-Bissessar first broached the idea of him returning to public office earlier this year but at that time, he told he was unwilling to return.

Throughout his political career, Jeremie was no stranger to controversy. His tenure was marked by significant legal and political conflict, including confrontations with legal bodies, opposition parties and even members of his own government.

In 2006, then-PM Manning publicly criticised Jeremie for his role in the controversy surrounding the Integrity Commission’s investigation into the Landate housing development, a project associated with then-Opposition MP Dr Keith Rowley.

The Landate controversy centred around a housing development project in Tobago, linked to then Housing minister Rowley, and allegations of improper conduct and conflicts of interest.

It was claimed that government resources, including equipment and materials from the Urban Development Corporation, were improperly used to benefit a private development with ties to Rowley’s wife, Sharon Rowley.

The controversy began when the Integrity Commission referred the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a potential criminal investigation, without first allowing Rowley the opportunity to respond.

This omission of a critical procedural step led to significant political and legal backlash, as it was widely perceived as a violation of due process. The handling of the case, particularly with Jeremie involved as the government’s chief legal advisor, further fuelled accusations of improper conduct.

In the wake of the controversy,