Seven Judges Appointed to Higher Office

Seven judges were sworn into higher office on September 13 during a ceremony at King’s House.

Taking the oath of office were the Hon. Justice Paulette A. Williams who has been appointed as Judge of Appeal; the Hon. Justice Carol C. Edwards who has been appointed to act as Judge of Appeal; Her Hon. Carolyn Tie, Her Hon. Stephanie A. Jackson Haisley, and Her Hon. Sonya M. Wint-Blair, who will act as Puisne Judges; Miss Pamela Margot Mason, who will act as Master- in-Chambers; and Her Honour Miss Judith A. Pusey who has been appointed Chief Judge of the Parish Courts.

Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen, who presided over the ceremony, congratulated the judges, noting that their appointment was indicative of the quality service they have given so far to the court system.

“These judges… have made themselves available for wider service and I am confident that they will build on the legacy of fair and balanced judgements and reaffirm the integrity of our judicial system,” he said.

He urged them to continue to serve the country with excellence, adding that their appointments guarantee the availability of competent and capable judges to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the judiciary.

“We expect that you will endeavour to speak for those who cannot speak, especially the nation’s children who are being sometimes abused and victimised. In this way, you will further command the respect and the trust of Jamaicans,” he said.

President, Court of Appeal, the Hon. Justice Dennis Morrison, noted that the appointees, by their energy, learning, dedication and zeal, have demonstrated their fitness to serve at a higher office.

“It is, therefore, with a glad heart and a confident sense of expectation that I welcome you all to the higher judiciary,” he said.

Chief Justice, the Hon. Justice Zaila McCalla, urged the judges to continue to exhibit the high standard of professionalism and dedication that is required and that they have demonstrated in the past.

She said they are being sworn in at a critical juncture in the history of the country and will assist in the implementation of initiatives being undertaken to effectively administer justice, reduce delays in courts and improve the overall delivery of justice to citizens.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Justice Williams said they are humbled to have been found worthy to occupy the new offices.

“We commit to be consistent with the oath we have taken here today,” she said.

She said it is recognised that a strong and independent judiciary is indispensable to the proper administration of justice in the society.

“We, therefore, know we have an obligation to maintain, encourage and uphold high standards of personal conduct and professionalism so as to preserve the independence and integrity of our office and preserve the trust that the society places in us,” she said.