Six members of the judiciary had been sworn in to larger workplaces by Governor-Normal, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, throughout a ceremony at King’s Home immediately (January 5).
Taking the Oath of Allegiance and the Judicial Oath had been the Hon. Justice Lorna Shelly-Williams and Hon. Justice Carolyn Tie-Powell, who will function Appearing Judges of Attraction from January 12 to March 27, 2026.
Grasp Mrs. Kamar Henry-Anderson and His Honour Chester Crooks will function Appearing Puisine Judges efficient January 7 to March 27, 2026.
Her Honour Christine McNeil and Her Honour Yvette Wentworth Miller will function Appearing Masters-in-Chambers, efficient January 7 to March 27, 2026.
In his remarks, the Governor-Normal mentioned their appointments stand as a testomony not solely to their authorized acumen but in addition to the nation’s belief of their independence, character, and devotion to service.
“Their continued appointments replicate the arrogance reposed of their capacity to discharge judicial tasks with independence, equity, and integrity. The nation seems to you to uphold the best requirements of the workplace by which you serve,” he mentioned.
The Governor-Normal identified that the judiciary continues to attain notable progress and inspired continued deliberation and sustained transformation to construct on the foundations which were laid, for an efficient judicial system.
“The previous yr has yielded tangible and commendable progress, and notable enhancements in case administration, administrative effectivity, and the discount of long-standing backlogs which have strengthened institutional efficiency, particularly throughout the parish courts,” he mentioned.
The Governor-Normal added that these positive aspects are the results of considerate planning, disciplined execution, and a shared dedication to enhancing the supply of justice. He additionally highlighted the judiciary’s engagement with digital innovation.
“The introduction of stay stream courtroom proceedings marks a significant step in the direction of higher transparency and public accountability. Such initiatives assist to demystify judicial processes and reinforce public confidence within the rule of regulation. Jamaica is constantly addressing the challenges of the judiciary, which aren’t distinctive to us.
“Judiciaries the world over face related pressures. But the progress achieved, to date, demonstrates the resilience of our establishments and their capability for considerate and sustained reform. As we enter 2026, I encourage your continued dedication to modernisation, effectivity, and equitable entry to justice,” he mentioned.
President of the Courtroom of Attraction, Hon. Justice Marva McDonald Bishop, expressed congratulations to the brand new appointees and urged them to view themselves as studying judges.
“The attitude of seeing your self as a studying choose is one that ought to persist all through your complete judicial profession… approaching your tasks with this mindset will safe various essential outcomes, foremost amongst them being the cultivation of judicial humility,” Justice McDonald Bishop mentioned.
“This high quality is crucial not just for the right execution of judicial duties however for sustaining and strengthening public confidence within the judiciary. It’s price reiterating that judicial humility stands in direct opposition to judicial conceitedness, a attribute that we should all be diligent to keep away from in our skilled conduct,” she added.
In the meantime, Chief Justice, Hon. Bryan Sykes inspired the members of the judiciary to proceed serving with excellence.
He additionally knowledgeable that in roughly 12 weeks’ time, the Courtroom of Attraction, the excessive courtroom division of the gun courtroom in Kingston, the St. Thomas Parish Courtroom and the Courtroom Administration Division needs to be ISO licensed.
“2026, however the challenges of 2025, will see us turning into extra environment friendly and higher as we proceed to serve our folks to ship to them not only a first-class justice system however environment friendly and honest companies,” he mentioned
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Her Honour Justice Shelly-Williams expressed gratitude, noting “we perceive that the position of a choose could be very difficult however we undertake it with the diligence and fortitude it requires”.
