Justice Bryan Sykes to Act as Chief Justice

Judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Bryan Sykes, has been appointed to act as Chief Justice of Jamaica, effective February 1, until further advised.

This was disclosed by Attorney General, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, at a special sitting of the Supreme Court to honour the outgoing Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Zaila McCalla, held at Public Building East, downtown Kingston on January 31.

She informed that Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has advised Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, to make the appointment.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice McCalla congratulated Justice Sykes on his appointment.

“I wish for him a successful tenure in office. Congratulations Justice Sykes and you have my full support,” she said.

Chief Justice McCalla has had an extensive legal career in the public service, having been called to the Jamaican Bar in 1976.

In August of 1985, she became a Resident Magistrate and was later appointed as Senior Resident Magistrate. In 1996, she became a Master in Chambers, and in 1997, she was appointed Puisne Judge and served until 2006, when she was promoted a Judge of the Court of Appeal.

She was appointed Chief Justice on June 27, 2007. Chief Justice McCalla is the first female Chief Justice of Jamaica. She demits office today (January 31) after serving over 40 years in the judiciary.