The Honourable Marcia Bennet, Custos of St. Thomas, looks on as His Honour Mr. Dale Palmer takes his Oath of Office during a swearing-in ceremony at King’s House today (January 6, 2017).
As the justice system begins its first term for 2017, six judges were appointed to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in a ceremony held at King’s House on Friday (Jan. 6). The Hon. Marcia Bennett, Custos Rotulorum for the parish of St. Thomas presided over the proceedings on behalf of Governor-General the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen.
The Honourable Marcia Bennet, Custos of St. Thomas, presents Mrs. Lisa Palmer Hamilton with her Instrument of Office during a swearing-in ceremony at King’s House today (January 6, 2017).
In congratulating the judges, she stated that their appointment is of great importance to the carriage of justice in Jamaica and challenged each appointee to “leave an indelible mark on our judiciary which must spring from your independence of mind and dispassionate approach to the discharge of justice.”
The Honourable Marcia Bennet, Custos of St. Thomas (4th left), with Chief Justice, the Hon. Mrs. Justice Zaila McCalla (centre), President of the Court of Appeal, the Hon. Mr. Dennis Morrison (3rd left) and the newly sworn-in judges at King’s House today (January 6, 2017).
The Hon. Mr. Justice Dennis Morrison, president of the court of appeal in his remarks, thanked each appointee for their commitment to maintaining the rule of law. His sentiments were echoed by the Hon. Mrs. Justice Zaila McCalla who urged the judges to “continue to serve with dignity and diligence.” She also called on judges to embrace the reforms taking place in the justice system.
Among the judges are the Hon. Miss Justice Carol Edwards who will continue her acting appointment as a Judge of Appeal in the Court of Appeal.
At the Supreme Court, Her Honour Mrs. Sonia Bertram Linton and His Honour Mr. Dale Palmer who have been confirmed as Puisne judges following several acting appointments. They will be joined by Her Honour Miss Calys Wiltshire and Mrs. Lisa Palmer Hamilton who have been appointed to act as Pusine judges.
Meanwhile, Her Honour Miss Yvonne Brown has been confirmed in the position of Master-in-Chambers in the Supreme Court.
