It is unfortunate that Gaston Browne’s attempted walk-back of his assault on the judiciary this week did not include an unambiguous apology for his threat to deport and declare persona non grata a judge who he believes is too soft on criminals. Moreover, any retraction of the threat should be formally communicated, in writing, to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) and the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, which is responsible for appointments to the court and the disciplining of its judges and judicial staff.