Excited but humbled is how Roger Barker, the newest Master of the High Court, described his reaction to being appointed to the position at a brief ceremony at State House on Wednesday.
He took the oaths of allegiance and office before Acting President Reverend Jeffrey Gibson and Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale SC.
As Master, Barker will be responsible for managing cases before they are presented to the judges for adjudication at trial. Additionally, he will oversee preliminary matters that need to be dealt with before they are passed onto judges in the High Court.
Barker, who was admitted to the Bar in October 2000, told reporters he was excitedly looking forward to the new role, and stressed his gratitude and appreciation for key individuals who selflessly assisted him in his formative years.
He said: “I feel very humbled and actually elated, especially for my small district in Greens, St George to put it on the map again. At Independence time, we had the poet, Esther Philips, who was also a resident of Greens and her family. I dedicate this [appointment] especially to a lady by the name of . . . Lilian Shorey. She is the aunt of Esther Philips, and I owe a lot of gratitude to that family for assisting, especially in our younger days when things were not as rosy as they are [now].
“They played a very helpful role in providing materials for reading, even clothing to wear. So I am eternally grateful to them.”
Barker, who has been a public servant for 41 years, was accompanied at the ceremony by his wife, Jacqueline Ellis-Barker and son, Romario Barker.
(SB)
