New Chief Justice sworn in

This morning, after being sworn into office by Governor General Dame Sandra Mason, the Chief Justice who said he was humbled to take up the post, told members of the media that his first order of business is to meet with his judges on Monday to inform them about his plans for addressing issues in the system.

“What I can tell you at this stage is that I have prior to today, spoken with everyone I reached out to, and I have had a good reception thus far and I anticipate that would continue,” Cheltenham said

“I have to work with them and they work with me and I don’t propose at this initial stage to speak about matters that I first have to discuss with them. But there are serious issues that we will be discussing.

“I have a clearly articulated a 90-day plan but remember, I have never been to the building other than as a lawyer, I am now going in as Chief Justice, so those are two completely different roles and I am assuming nothing. There will be things I will find once I arrive there and I have to listen and then ensure that that the plans I have, go in sync with what I find on arrival,” he added.

His brother, former president of the Senate, Sir Richard Cheltenham, described the appointment as a happy occasion and indicated that he was filled with pride and delight

“I wish him well, and the many family members who are abroad, I hope will have the opportunity to share in the occasion through photographs. It is for all of us a happy and memorable occasion,” Sir Richard said.

Attorney General Dale Marshall, who also attended the ceremony, explained that for the first time in the island’s history, an individual who has practiced law privately, has ascended to the office of Chief Justice, bringing a particular dynamic to the post.

“It brings with it a perspective that an individual who has  been on the other side of the fence so to speak, and understands through having lived and worked in it, the challenges of a system where justice is not delivered with dispatch. So I think we are going to benefit from perhaps a unique perspective and experience of a Chief Justice who has been in the hustling for all these years,” Marshall said.

Cheltenham, has replaced Sir Marston Gibson, who in July signaled his intention to retire from the post he held for nine years. Sir Marston started his pre-retirement leave on September 1, 2020. (AH)