Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen (2nd left) with Her Honour Mrs. Justice Zalia McCalla, Chief Justice (centre) and the newly appointed judges of the Supreme Court.
Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen is urging judges to guard vigorously the image and high esteem in which members of the public hold the judiciary, especially as it is seen as a bastion of confidence. He was speaking at King’s House on Friday, September 15 where new judges were appointed to act in the Supreme Court.
“The judiciary is seen as a bastion of confidence by our people. Discharge your duties with equity and as much haste as is possible,” the Governor-General said. “Justice delayed is justice denied in some cases,” he continued, as he encouraged each appointee to discharge their roles fearlessly, sincerely and with the humility that the judiciary requires.
Sir Patrick Allen further stated that as everything cannot be written in or be covered by the ‘book of laws’ and as some matters will require common sense in their interpretation, judges should have the wisdom of Solomon and work with humility as they get into the minds of individuals.
Three new judges were sworn in to act in the Supreme Court from September 18 until further notice. They are Her Honour Mrs Andrea Pettigrew Collins and Her Honour Miss Calys Wiltshire who will act as Puisne Judges. Her Honour Miss Andrea Thomas was sworn in to act at Master-in-Chambers.
They were give a charge by Her Honour Mrs. Justice Zalia McCalla, Chief Justice who, in commending their appointment, advised them to maintain high standards of professionalism while being astute in their deliberations and decision making.