King’s House, Jamaica– Queen’s Counsel Mrs Carolyn Reid Cameron was sworn in as Jamaica’s fourth Public Defender in a brief ceremony at King’s House this morning. She succeeds Mrs Arlene Harrison Henry, who served from January 2016 to April 2022.
In his Remarks, Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen said, “I am confident Mrs. Carolyn Reid Cameron, that you are well aware and equipped to execute the enormous responsibility of this office. Your exemplary service to date indicates that you are well-prepared for this role. Indeed, with three decades of dedication to the field of law, your reputation as one that is a fearless defender of justice and the rights of the common man precedes you. I am sure that you share the sentiment that it is important for Jamaicans to know that the voice of one man or woman who feels slighted by the system has a place of recourse and a means by which they can be represented.”
Sir Patrick thanked Mrs Harrison Henry for her dedication, commitment to justice and fairness which were demonstrated during her years of service. He also thanked Mr Herbert McKenzie, Deputy Public Defender, who acted during the transition and ensured there was no lapse in carrying out the duties of the Office.
In her response, Mrs Reid Cameron expressed gratitude for being considered fit for the role and indicated in her Oath her commitment to serving without “fear, favour, affection or ill-will”. Echoing the words of the national pledge, she promised “to stand up for justice, brotherhood and peace.” The newly appointed Public Defender challenged her colleagues to work together with her office to institute necessary changes to better serve the Jamaican people.
The Ceremony was attended by members of Mrs. Reid Cameron’s immediate family, Government Ministers, members of the Legal fraternity and heads of several Public Sector bodies.
The Office of the Public Defender was established in 2000 to investigate and seek redress on behalf of Jamaicans, whose constitutional rights have been violated.