Five judges promoted

The number of Judges in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court has been boosted following yesterday's swearing in of five Judges. 

The five judges were sworn in by Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen. The judges are:Carol Lawrence Beswick, and Ingrid Mangatal, who will act as Judges of Appeal. Justice Audre Lindo, and Marcia Dunbar Green will act as Puisine Judges of the Supreme Court; and Rosemarie Harris, who will act as Master-in-Chambers in the Supreme Court.  

In her remarks, Chief Justice, Zaila McCalla reminded the judges that while they are independent in the performance of their judicial duty, they are accountable to the public they have sworn to serve.  

The Chief Justice noted that all judicial officers should be cognisant that they operate in an atmosphere where judicial decisions are subject to much scrutiny in the media.  Chief Justice McCalla cautioned the Judges to perform in a manner that is transparent and fair.
                                        
She also noted that while there are certain circumstances where the law does not require judges to give reasons for decisions taken, however, in the interest of justice and good practice the decision should be taken to do so. 

The Governor-General noted that every effort should be made, whether through case management, the exercise of earned authority, or the authority of the office to dispense with cases in a timely manner even under trying circumstances.