Eight judges sworn into higher offices

Eight members of the judiciary were sworn into higher offices by Governor-General Patrick Allen on Thursday.

Justices Lorna Shelly-Williams and Carolyn Tie-Powell will serve as acting judges of appeal from April 20 until July 31.

Tracey-Ann Johnson and Andrea Martin Swaby were sworn in as puisne judges, effective Monday, while Kamar Henry-Anderson and Chester Crooks will serve as acting puisne judges, effective Monday until to July 31.

Meanwhile, Christine McNeil and Yvette Wentworth-Miller were sworn in as acting masters-in-chambers, during the same period.

In his address to the judges, the governor general said that their appointments reflect both their legal expertise and the country’s profound confidence in their integrity and public service.

He said their appointments also reaffirm the nation’s commitment to the rule of law and to the fair and impartial administration of justice.

“These principles form the bedrock upon which we encourage public confidence in our courts,” the Allen affirmed.

He emphasised that the work of the judges is not undertaken in isolation from the society they serve.

“Our people are deeply invested in justice and openly voice their perspectives on such matters of national importance,” Allen said.

He noted that this reality underscores the careful balance that must be maintained by the judiciary.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, affirmed that the new judicial officers were elevated on the basis of merit, their hard work, long track record of commitment to service, collegiality, and willingness to take on the responsibilities that are involved in the running of a modern judiciary.

He noted that the judges sworn in have been an integral part of improvements achieved in the judiciary in recent years.

“They have added real and significant value to the Court of Appeal and to the Supreme Court, and that in part has contributed to the improvements that we have been experiencing,” Sykes said.

These include the Court of Appeal achieving a clearance rate of more than 100 per cent and the Supreme Court reaching a clearance rate of 85 per cent, up from 50 per cent several years ago.

Sykes affirmed that the judges have added value to the judiciary, while displaying commitment to service, and excellence all around.

President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, welcomed the appointment of the new judicial officers.

“We at the Court of Appeal take great pride in recognising your achievements and the progress that you are making in serving Jamaica’s justice system,” she said.

Justice McDonald-Bishop noted that the two acting judges of appeal exemplify creditable execution of their judicial role at the appellate level.