Seven Judges Sworn in to Higher Office

Seven judges were sworn in to higher office today (September 11), by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Professor Kenneth Hall, at King’s House.
Puisne Judge, Horace Marsh has been appointed to act as Judge of the Court of Appeal, while Resident Magistrate, Leighton Pusey has been appointed a Puisne Judge.
Acting as Puisne Judges will be Master-in-Chambers at the Supreme Court, Christine McDonald; Senior Resident Magistrate, Martin Gayle; Resident Magistrate, Marva McDonald Bishop, and Senior Resident Magistrate, Bertram Morrison.
Meanwhile, Registrar at the Supreme Court, Audre Whelma Lindo will now act as Master-in-Chambers at the Supreme Court.
The Governor-General, after handing over the ceremonial Instruments of Appointment to the judges, remarked that the occasion was very significant to the justice system of Jamaica.
“This is an occasion which demonstrates that our system of justice is equipped with persons who have the appropriate legal training and experience to respond to the increasing demand for justice,” he said.
Pointing out that good governance hinged on “a fair and efficient justice system”, Professor Hall said the swearing in of the seven judges was indicative of the fact that, “the machinery to facilitate such a system is in place”.
He charged and expressed confidence that the judges would “continue to work vigorously to uphold the framework of a fair and efficient system of justice”.
The Governor-General pointed out that Justice Marsh would take up office on September 25, while the remaining six judges would begin executing their duties on September 18.
Chief Justice Lensley Wolfe, in his charge to the judges, urged them to prepare for the mammoth task ahead. “The term beginning September 18 is going to be a rigorous one,” he noted.
Mr. Wolfe said he hoped that with this addition to the court system, there would be a significant reduction in the “the backlog [of cases]”.
Responding on behalf of the judges, Mr. Marsh said they would work hard to merit the confidence placed in them. He further assured that great effort would be taken that, “at the end of the day, this backlog would have been reduced considerably, and that justice will be advanced as a result of that”.