Judges sworn in to act in higher posts

Eight members of the judiciary have been sworn in by Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen to act in higher offices for the Easter term.

The judges, who will serve in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, took the oath of allegiance and the judicial oath, during a ceremony at King’s House on April 3.

They are Justices Kissock Laing and Georgiana Fraser, who will act as judges of the Court of Appeal from April 8 to July 31; Master Pamela Mason and Her Honour Opal Smith, who have been appointed as acting puisne judges, from April 8 to July 31; Her Honour Tracey Ann Johnson has been appointed to act as a puisne judge from April 3 to July 31; and Master Stephany Orr has been appointed acting puisne judge from April 16 until further orders.

Her Honour Christine McNeil has been appointed to act as master-in-chambers from April 16 to July 31, while Her Honour Luciana Jackson has been appointed acting master-in-chambers from April 3 until further orders.

In his charge, the governor-general reminded the judges of the crucial role they play in the delivery of justice in the nation.

“As you continue rendering judgements with empathy and understanding of our society’s diversity, I encourage you to continue serving with humility,” he said.

“I notice that all of these appointments are acting appointments and I trust that out of that, you will remain permanently or until such other times … and do well,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Bryan Sykes said the judges have distinguished themselves through their performances, noting that their continued contributions will redound to improvement in the country’s judicial system.

President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Patrick Brooks, commended them, noting that they are well deserving of their appointments.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Justice Laing said: “We thank members of the Judicial Service Commission for the trust and confidence that they have again reposed in us. It is often said that past performance does not guarantee future results, but we can assure the Commission that we will maintain our highest standards and execute our duties in keeping with the oaths we have taken,” he said.

“To the citizens of Jamaica, we hear your impassioned pleas for justice and we undertake to do our utmost best to render decisions that are timely, just, and most importantly, in keeping with the law and which you can understand, even if these are results with which you do not necessarily agree,” Justice Laing added.