Judges Appointed to Act in Appeal and Supreme Courts

Five judges appointed to serve in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, were sworn into office, today (September 14), during a ceremony at King’s House.

They are: Hon. Justice Kissock Laing, who has been appointed to act as Judge of the Court of Appeal from September 19, 2022 to February 14, 2023; Master Pamela Mason, Master Stephany Orr, Her Honour Miss Opal Smith, and His Honour Mr. Dale Staple, who have been appointed to act as Puisne Judges from September 16, 2022 to December 20, 2022.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, who presided over the ceremony congratulated the judges on their appointment.

“May I encourage each one of you to always make excellence your watchword and remember that justice is the framework of a sustainable future to which we are all committed. I wish you a successful tenure,” he said.

He said the sterling contribution of judges ensures that the country’s judicial system continues to be highly respected locally, in the Commonwealth and the Caribbean.

“We must therefore work diligently to maintain its strengths, independence and efficiency,” the Governor-General added.

Meanwhile, President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Mr. Justice Patrick Brooks, informed that all the judges who have been sworn in, acted in the capacity before.

“The fact that they have been recalled to serve is a testament to their talent, application and dedication. I am confident that they will continue to perform admirably,” he said.

He thanked the present judges and staff of the Court of Appeal for all the efforts they make, noting that the Court is celebrating its 60th year of existence.

“Your Excellency, we will continue to work to the best of our abilities to improve the delivery of justice at the appellate level and with the help of God, we will provide good guidance in this time of constitutional adjustments…that lie ahead of us in the coming months and perhaps couple of years,” he said.

For his part, Chief Justice, Hon. Mr. Justice Bryan Sykes, said the judges have exhibited the characteristics that make them worthy of appointment.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Justice Laing said they are humbled by the confidence reposed in them and will endeavour to do their best.

“My fellow appointees and I are therefore acutely aware of the tremendous responsibility we bear to maintain confidence in the administration of justice by our decisions. We are cognizant of the challenges that lie ahead, and we will willingly embrace them. We undertake to work assiduously to discharge our duties fairly, impartially, diligently with integrity and in accordance with the Oaths we have taken,” he said.

The ceremony represented the final swearing in of judges appointed to serve for the Michaelmas Term.