KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant ceremony at King’s House on Monday, Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen presided over the swearing-in of six judicial officials to elevated positions within Jamaica’s legal system. The appointments signal both continuity and progress in the nation’s ongoing judicial reforms.
Justice Lorna Shelly-Williams and Justice Carolyn Tie-Powell assumed their roles as acting judges of appeal, with their tenure extending from January 12 to March 27, 2026. Simultaneously, Kamar Henry-Anderson and Chester Crooks were inaugurated as acting puisne judges, while Christine McNeil and Yvette Wentworth Miller took office as acting masters-in-chambers, both appointments effective from January 7 through March 27, 2026.
Governor-General Allen emphasized that these appointments reflect not only the legal expertise of the individuals but also the nation’s confidence in their judicial independence, character, and dedication to public service. “Your continued appointments demonstrate the trust placed in your ability to exercise judicial responsibilities with fairness, integrity, and independence,” he stated. “The nation expects you to maintain the highest standards of your office.”
The ceremony also served as an occasion to highlight the judiciary’s substantial advancements. Governor-General Allen reported “tangible and commendable progress” over the past year, including improved case management, administrative efficiency, and significant reduction of case backlogs, particularly within parish courts. These achievements, he noted, result from strategic planning, disciplined implementation, and a collective commitment to enhancing justice delivery.
Digital innovation emerged as a cornerstone of Jamaica’s judicial modernization. The introduction of live-streamed court proceedings represents a pivotal step toward greater transparency and public accountability, helping demystify judicial processes and reinforce confidence in the rule of law. Allen acknowledged that while challenges within the judiciary are not unique to Jamaica, the progress demonstrates institutional resilience and capacity for sustained reform.
President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Marva McDonald Bishop, congratulated the appointees and urged them to embrace the mindset of “learning judges” throughout their careers. She emphasized that judicial humility—essential for proper duty execution and public confidence—stands in direct opposition to judicial arrogance, a trait all must vigilantly avoid.
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes encouraged the judiciary to continue pursuing excellence and announced that within approximately twelve weeks, several judicial divisions—including the Court of Appeal, the high court division of the gun court in Kingston, the St Thomas Parish Court, and the Court Administration Division—are expected to achieve ISO certification. “Despite the challenges of 2025,” Sykes affirmed, “2026 will see us becoming more efficient and better equipped to deliver first-class, fair, and effective justice services.”
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Justice Shelly-Williams expressed gratitude and acknowledged the challenges inherent in judicial office, pledging to undertake their responsibilities with diligence and fortitude.