New judges sworn in

Barbados’ latest step to speed up the wheels of justice turned into reality earlier today, when four High Court judges, two temporary judges and a Court of Appeal judge were sworn in at Government House.

In a noon-time ceremony, the jurists all swore allegiance in the presence of Governor General Dame Sandra Mason, Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson, Attorney General Dale Marshall, and acting Prime Minister George Payne.

Family, friends and well-wishers were also present for the ceremony.

Justice of Appeal Rajendra Narine was the first to be sworn in, followed by former Chief Magistrate Christopher Birch, former Inspector of Police, Barry Carrington, Cicely Chase-Harding, Cecil McCarthy, former magistrate Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell and another former magistrate, Carlisle Greaves.

In a very brief congratulatory speech Dame Sandra reminded the new judges what to expect.

“To who much is given, much is expected. The world is watching. I wish you all the best,” she told them after the ceremony.

Marshall announced the appointments earlier this year in a move to put a dent in the backlog of court cases. (BA)