Eight members of the Judiciary have been sworn into office today for the Easter Term of Jamaica’s High Courts, comprising the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and Parish Circuit Courts.

Those sworn into office yesterday by Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen at King’s House are Mrs Justice Lorna Shelly-Williams, Mrs Justice Carolyn Tie-Powell, Mrs Tracey-Ann Johnson, Mrs Andrea Martin Swaby, Mrs Kamar Henry-Anderson,  Chester Crooks, Christine McNeil and Mrs Yvette Wentworth-Miller

Justices Lorna Shelly-Williams and Carolyn Tie-Powell have been sworn in to serve as Acting Judges of the Court of Appeal. Tracey-Ann Johnson and Andrea Martin Swaby will be serving as Puisne Judges, while Acting Puisne Judges will be Kamar Henry-Anderson, Chester Crooks, and the new Acting Master-in-Chambers, Christine McNeil and Yvette Wentworth-Miller.

Governor General gives his charge

In his address to the new appointees, Sir Allen reminded them that their work does not exist in isolation, but within a society marked by strong voices and deeply held convictions. 

While an understanding of the social context is essential, the Governor General cautioned that yielding to public sentiment, no matter how strongly expressed, can undermine the confidence the courts are entrusted to uphold.

He encouraged the judges to maintain this delicate balance, remaining resolute in their independence and unwavering in their commitment to justice, to preserve the dignity and integrity of Jamaica’s judiciary.