PM Expresses Confidence in Acting Chief Justice

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has expressed confidence that Justice Bryan Sykes, who has been appointed to act as Chief Justice, will effectively carry out his role in the public’s interest.

He said Justice Sykes was appointed based on his “extraordinary legal insights, clarity and erudition”, adding that his “discipline, structure, efficiency and timeliness recommends him highly to this office”.

He noted that the Government “looked carefully in selecting someone who we thought is not just erudite in his judgements, but someone who will focus as well on the efficiency of the system”.

Timely justice outcomes and strengthening of the rule of law are objectives of the medium-term goal for the development of Jamaica, recently approved by Cabinet.

“The public wants to see an efficient and timely justice system, and, above all else, that was my primary consideration. So, I am confident that Justice Sykes will act in the role of Chief Justice and very soon will fully assume the role of Chief Justice,” Mr. Holness said, adding that “actions that bring result, will determine the assumption”.

Mr. Sykes was sworn in by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, during a ceremony at King’s House on February 1. He replaces Hon. Zaila McCalla, who has retired.

The Prime Minister said the Government has noted, carefully, the calls that have been made regarding how the process of appointing a Chief Justice should be done and gave the assurance that “I hear them and I think about them very carefully”.

“My ultimate responsibility is to protect the public’s interest, and I believe that the selection that I have made by the authority invested in me, and the Governor-General through his authority has fulfilled that, is the best way to advance the public’s interest,” Mr. Holness said.