Humble hero
Kimya Beedle Fisher, assistant clerk of court, is people’s choice for judiciary honour
Published:Thursday | August 28, 2025 | 12:07 AMTanesha Mundle/Staff Reporter
Touching lives, inspiring others, and showing up with heart every single day is what defines Kimya Beedle Fisher, assistant clerk of the court at the St James Parish Court.
And on the very day she marked four years of service in the Jamaican court system, the 45-year-old public servant was named the People’s Choice Everyday Hero Awardee at the Judiciary of Jamaica’s Awards and Recognition Banquet, held last Thursday at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston. She won more than half the votes cast by court staff across the island.
Though not surprised by the award, Beedle Fisher said, “It was truly an incredible honour to be recognised on the same day I started this journey working in the courts.
“To be recognised as a People’s Choice Everyday Hero is humbling. It reflects the impact that my efforts have had on others. It really reminds me that the work we do, even in small ways, can touch lives and inspire change.”
The People’s Choice Award recognises those who go beyond the call of duty in their daily work, not judged by panels, but by colleagues islandwide who witness and appreciate their dedication firsthand.
After an initial nomination process, seven shortlisted candidates were presented to court staff, along with videos explaining why each nominee deserved the honour. Staff then voted, and Beedle Fisher emerged as the winner.
“I believe they connected with me just being real, being authentic, transparent, and showing genuine commitment to helping others,” Beedle Fisher shared, adding that the love and support she shows her colleagues likely influenced their decision.
She said she wasn’t surprised by the outpouring of support from colleagues across the parish, many of whose lives she has positively impacted.
“People reached out to me from neighbouring parishes, St James Family Court, CAD (Court Administration Division), Supreme Court, persons who had passed through the court, clerks now at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. They said, ‘Mrs Fisher, I voted for you, you deserved that award’,” she recalled, noting that her classmates from the Deputy Clerk course she’s currently pursuing also cheered her on.
While watching the ceremony and seeing the St Catherine Parish Court receiving multiple awards, Beedle Fisher admitted to a brief moment of doubt but quickly reminded herself that “I got this”.
According to her, the award has only strengthened her determination to work even harder.
So far, she said, everyone, including her co-workers, is basking in the moment and celebrating her achievement.
“From my judges and fellow clerks to the watchmen and groundsmen, everybody. I think they are really proud of me and proud that the award came to St James Parish Court,” she said, beaming.
This is not the first time Beedle Fisher is being recognised for her work. In 2023, she received the Service Excellence Award (then known as the Customer Service Award). However, she said the People’s Choice win carries special weight.
Born and raised in St James, Beedle Fisher began her court career in 2021 as a data entry clerk at the St James Parish Court. Over four years, she has risen to the role of assistant clerk, primarily working at the Civil Desk.
A typical day for her includes working at the window where individuals come to file summonses. She explains unfamiliar court processes, guides the public on required documentation, outlines procedural steps, and prepares summonses.
“These experiences made me realise that, in a supportive role, how you interact with the public can make court processes less intimidating. It makes the system feel more accessible. People don’t usually like coming to court, so when they receive respectful, clear guidance, it works wonders,” she said.
Beyond these duties, Beedle Fisher supports other departments, prepares legal documents, and has even served as acting deputy clerk.
Addressing the frequent criticism about poor customer service in the public sector, Beedle Fisher stressed its importance.
“Good customer service is vital. It gives satisfaction,” she said, encouraging her colleagues to incorporate care and empathy into their daily service.
Currently enrolled in a deputy clerk course at the Justice Training Institute, Beedle Fisher remains focused on growth. Outside of work, she’s a mother of two boys, a justice of the peace, and an active member of her church who enjoys music.
To those entering the court system for the first time, she offers this advice: “Go for it. In the courts, there may be challenges, but there’s growth and continuous learning.”
To those already within the system, she added, “We just have to learn to strike a balance, to ensure people feel heard and supported while maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.”
The Judiciary of Jamaica Awards and Recognition Banquet, first held in 2023, takes place every two years and celebrates excellence, dedication, and service among judicial and administrative staff across the Courts and the CAD.
Among other awards this year were Top Performing Parish Court, which went to St Mary Parish Court; and Chief Justice Award for Excellence, which went to St Catherine Senior Judge Yvette Miller-Wentworth.