Sykes to be appointed Chief Justice Thursday
Published:Wednesday | February 28, 2018 | 12:00 AM
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has now advised the Governor General to permanently appoint Bryan Sykes as Chief Justice.
In a statement a short while ago, Prime Minister Holness said after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition he has written to Governor General Sir Patrick Allen to confirm the appointment.
Holness says the appointment will take effect March 1, that's one month after Sykes was appointed to act.
A swearing-in ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. at King's House tomorrow.
The announcement by the Prime Minister follows a meeting yesterday with members of the Jamaican Bar Association to discuss his decision to appoint Justice Bryan Sykes to act in the post despite a clear vacancy.
When contacted, representatives who attended the meeting were tight-lipped about what decisions were taken at the meeting only saying that the talks were cordial and positive and that further discussions are likely to take place.
However, one member told our news centre that based on what was discussed it is not likely that the Bar Association will pursue its legal challenge against the Prime Minister.
According to reports, up to last week, the association was planning to file a suit over the failure of the Prime Minister to recommend someone for a permanent appointment as Chief Justice.
Justice Sykes was appointed on February 1 to act in the clear vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Justice Zaila McCalla on January 31.
At the time, Holness had said "actions that brings results (sic) will determine the assumption of the role of chief justice."
Commentators said this essentially meant Sykes was being placed on probation which would violate the principles of the separation of powers.
Holness' comment fuelled numerous criticisms and calls from various groups and organisations including the Jamaican Bar Association for the post to be filled.
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