More Senior Judges Appointed

Four more senior judges and a registrar were appointed to higher offices, Tuesday (February 9) by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon Sir Patrick Allen, during a brief ceremony at King’s House.
Sworn in were: Justice Norma Elaine McIntosh, appointed to act as Judge of the Court of Appeal; Glenworth Gaylord St. Elmo Brown, appointed as Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court; Sarah Elizabeth Thompson-James, appointed as Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court; Evan Jeffrey Brown, appointed to act as Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court; and Nicole Adrienne Simmons, appointed Master-In-Chambers in the Supreme Court.
They are expected to assume their respective duties on Thursday (February 11).
The Governor-General, before handing over the ceremonial Instruments of Appointment to the judges, remarked that the occasion was very significant to the justice system of Jamaica, urging them to continue to protect the legitimacy and integrity of the judicial system.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (right) looks on as The Hon Mrs. Justice Norma Elaine McIntosh takes the Oath of Office and Judicial Oath to act as judge of the Court of Appeal, during a ceremony at King’s House Tuesday, February 9.

“You have been selected and promoted because of your performance and qualities which you bring to the judiciary and your exemplary conduct and wise judgement that you give,” he said.
The Governor-General said the judges had a high responsibility, not only to themselves but to Jamaica.
“As you carry out your duties, remember that your performance will be judged in the court of public opinion and the timelessness and quality of your judgement will also be carefully scrutinized,” he stated.
He wished them wisdom and good understanding in discharging the responsibilities.
In her charge to the appointees, Chief Justice, Hon. Mrs. Justice Zaila McCalla, said they have a duty to be agents of change in transforming a culture of delay into a reformed justice system that is efficient, fair and reliable.
“Your continued support and commitment is needed to make this a reality,” she said, expressing confidence in the judges’ abilities to execute their jobs.
She congratulated the appointees on the hard work they have done over the years, adding that it is on that basis that they have been called upon to continue serving.
Despite challenges, that will be faced, she urged them to be mindful of the fact that “no man is above the law and everyone regardless of rank is subject to the ordinary laws of the land.”
President, Court of Appeal, Hon. Mr. Justice Seymour Panton, urged the appointees to read widely and listen carefully and patiently.
“Extend yourself in reasoning and, in the end, do what your conscience and the law demands.be fair by being fearless,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Justice Norma McIntosh, noted that the appointments signaled appreciation for the work that has being committed over the years.
“We pledge before you this afternoon that we will not drop the baton, that we will grasp it firmly with perseverance and commitment, that we will continue to hold the standards of the judiciary high and, in so doing, we hope not to disappoint all those who have placed confidence in us,” she promised.