Eight Judges Sworn into Higher Offices

Eight members of the Judiciary were sworn into higher offices by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, today (April 9).

Hon. Justice Lorna Shelly-Williams and Hon. Justice Carolyn Tie-Powell will serve as Acting Judges of Appeal, from April 20, 2026, until July 31, 2026.

Her Honour Tracey-Ann Johnson and Mrs. Andrea Martin Swaby were sworn in as Puisne Judges, effective April 13, while Master Kamar Henry-Anderson and His Honour Chester Crooks will serve as Acting Puisne Judges, effective April 13 to July 31, 2026.

Her Honour Christine McNeil and Her Honour Yvette Wentworth-Miller were sworn in as Acting Masters-in-Chambers, effective April 13 to July 31, 2026.

The eight Judges took the Oath of Allegiance and the Judicial Oath during the swearing-in ceremony at King’s House in St. Andrew.

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 Governor-General 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,” the Governor-General outlined.

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

“As you assume your duties, we depend on you to carry your share of the responsibilities in our society. Similarly, we depend on you to uphold this delicate equilibrium, resolute in your independence and unwavering in your commitment to justice, thereby preserving the dignity and integrity of Jamaica’s judiciary,” the Governor-General told the judges.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice, Hon. 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,” Justice 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.

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

In her remarks, President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. 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.

“Justices Shelly-Williams and Tie-Powell are consolidating their expertise and refining their skills as appellate jurists, consistently demonstrating sound judgement, adaptability, admirable collegiality, and the willingness to learn,” she said.

Justice McDonald-Bishop encouraged the new judicial officers to identify themselves as agents of change and transformation.

“Dedicate yourselves to continuous learning and strengthen the processes and institutions around you,” she urged.

In her response on behalf of the appointees, Justice Shelly-Williams affirmed the dedication of the judges to earning trust and respect in their new positions.

“We recognise that serving as a judge is highly demanding, but we embrace this responsibility with the diligence and resilience it requires,” she said.

Justice Shelly-Williams further expressed gratitude to former judges who “encouraged, taught, guided and paved the way for all current judges, including those sitting here today and those working diligently in their chambers preparing for cases or writing judgements”.