Supreme Court gets seven female judges

Seven women have been appointed as judges of the Supreme Court.  They include Senior Parish judge, Her Honour Miss Judith Pusey, who has been appointed to act as a Puisne judge.    

In his remarks, the Honourable Steadman Fuller Custos of Kingston and Deputy Governor-General, who presided over the ceremony at King’s House on behalf of Sir Patrick Allen, said the judiciary has been the cornerstone of Jamaica’s democratic processes and the system by which rights are secured under the Constitution.  He added that the transparency in selecting new judges, is one way of securing that legacy.

“In Jamaica the judiciary has been the bedrock of our democratic processes and continues to be secured by a cadre of individuals, whose dedication to preserving the rule of law, is foundational to its credibility,” he said.

In commending the judges on their appointment, the Deputy Governor-General said it was an affirmation of their skills and competencies and the quality service given, leading up to their appointment.

“This is a position (judge) of high esteem which requires your continued dedication to service above self, and the preservation of the integrity for which our judicial system has become known,” he stated. 

Meanwhile, in her charge to the judges, Chief Justice Mrs. Zaila McCalla said that the judges all had a proven track record for high standards of performance.   “Be astute in your deliberations and decision-making and guard your judgement judiciously.  But remember that you are accountable to the public you serve,” the Chief Justice remarked.

Noting that she will be demitting office at the end of January, the Chief Justice said that she is satisfied that she is leaving behind a strong judiciary, even though it is not resourced as she would have liked. 

The judges who will take up their new assignment as of January 8 are Her Honour Miss Carolyn Tie, Her Honour Mrs Stephane Jackson Haisley and Her Honour Mrs. Sonya Wint Blair who have been confirmed in the post of Puisne Judge.   Her Honour Miss Judith Pusey will be joined as acting Puisne Judge by Her Honour Mrs. Simone Wolf Reece and Her Honour Miss Anne-Marie Nembhard.  Her Honour Mrs Natalie Hart Hines was also appointed to act a Master-in-Chambers.