Female jurists sworn in as Court of Appeal Judges

Two female jurists were today (Wednesday, May 17, 2017) sworn in as Court of Appeal Judges by President David Granger as efforts to fill vacancies across the judiciary continues.

Chief Justice, Roxanne George and Justice Dawn Gregory took their Oath before the President at State House.

The appointments were made based on advice from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

The JSC met in April and unanimously endorsed the appointments based on the women’s performance.

President Granger congratulated the two highly qualified female jurists on their elevation to the Court of Appeal.

He also recommitted to ensuring the protection of the Judiciary

“The Executive branch of government has no interest in interfering in the adjudicatory role of the judiciary.  The Executive has taken steps to ensure that the judiciary does not feel beholden to the government of the day. The enactment of the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Act of 2015 provided, for the first time, for the financial autonomy of the judiciary in accordance with the Constitution,” he said.

The Head of State laboured the point that the constitution was the supreme law of the land and that no one should see themselves as being above the law.

“The Executive branch of government has no interest in interfering in the work of the judiciary. It seeks, only, the preservation of a judiciary which is unbiased, unblemished and unmindful of personal prejudices,” he added as he called on all citizens to respect the authority and dignity of the judiciary.

President Granger also urged Judges to be exemplars of the high standards of their office.

He has promised to support the efforts of the JSC to fill other vacancies in the High Court.