News
JAM | Apr 26, 2025

Two members of the judiciary sworn in to serve in higher offices

/ Our Today

administrator
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen (right), presents Tracey-Ann Johnson with the instrument of office to act as puisne judge for the Easter Term, during a swearing-in ceremony at King’s House on Thursday (April 24). (Photo: JIS)

Two members of the judiciary were sworn in to higher office for the Easter Term by Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen on Thursday (April 24), at King’s House.

Taking the oath of allegiance were Tracey-Ann Johnson and Christine McNeil, who have been appointed to act as puisne judge and master-in-chambers, respectively, from April 28 to July 31.

Congratulating the judges, the governor-general said their appointments reflect not only professional merit but also a deep trust in their integrity, impartiality and commitment to justice.

“On behalf of the nation, I offer my congratulations and best wishes as you continue to advance the principles of equity, accountability, and the rule of law in our society. May your tenure be marked by wisdom, fairness and the enduring respect of those you serve,” he said.

Johnson was appointed senior judge of the parish court in 2019 and since 2020, has been serving as acting puisne judge of the Supreme Court.

Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen (right) observes as Christine McNeil takes the oath of allegiance to act as master-in-chamber for the Easter Term, during a swearing-in ceremony held at King’s House on Thursday (April 24). (Photo: JIS)

McNeil served as acting parish judge from 2021 to 2022 and has been serving as acting master-in-chambers since 2023.

For his part, Chief Justice Bryan Sykes congratulated the judges and reminded them that they are “continuing the long and distinguished tradition of judicial officers who have served with excellence in our judiciary at different levels”.

Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen (right) presents Christine McNeil with the instrument of office to act as master-in-chamber for the Easter Term, during a swearing-in ceremony held at King’s House on Thursday (April 24). (Photo: JIS)

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Johnson expressed gratitude to those who have invested in and supported them along their journeys.

“You have made it possible for us to embrace this opportunity that we have been given. We wish to thank, in particular, the chief justice and the Judicial Services Commission for this opportunity to serve in a higher office,” she said.

Comments

What To Read Next

News JAM Mar 11, 2026

Reading Time: 3 minutesMinister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr, says the government’s Restoration of Owner and Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) programme is designed strictly to assist Jamaicans in repairing the homes where they live, not businesses or rental properties.

Minister Charles Jr said the programme is aimed at restoring family shelters damaged by Hurricane Melissa and is part of the wider Shelter Recovery Programme (SRP).

News JAM Mar 11, 2026

Reading Time: 2 minutesMinister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has set an ambitious target of 150,000 annual visitors from Continental Europe to Jamaica by 2030, supported by a strategic plan to expand airlift, deepen tour operator partnerships, and intensify targeted marketing across some of Europe’s most valuable long-haul travel markets.

Continental Europe represents a major growth opportunity for Jamaica, with markets such as Germany, Spain, Italy, France and the Netherlands showing strong interest in long-haul Caribbean travel. Jamaica’s established presence in the region also provides a strong platform for accelerated expansion over the coming years.