Justice Perreira creates history

With her name indelibly etched in the history books of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC), the new and first ever female Chief Justice Janice Perreira has pledged to carry on the torch of her predecessor, Sir Hugh Rawlins.{{more}}

On Tuesday, at a special sitting of the High Court in Kingstown, Perreira told the large gathering that “It is indeed an honour and a privilege to serve our region in this capacity…”

Perreira, who spoke with much eloquence, pledged her commitment to continue the “good work” started by her predecessors, towards the administration and advancement of justice for the citizenry of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and wider Caribbean.

Her address, which also signalled the start of the 2012/2013 Law term, was beamed live via simulcast to the neighbouring member states and territories of the ECSC.

Perreira also thanked the heads of government for the opportunity to serve the court and the region as Acting Chief Justice.

She also expressed gratitude to Rawlins for his unrelenting service to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

“He gave dedicated service and now joins the rank of the many great Chief Justices who have served the court as remarkable jurists and inspiring mentors. Sir Hugh placed his indelible mark on our jurisprudence, through his erudite judgement and formidable leadership which guided us over the past four years…,” Perreira stated.

Sir Hugh’s resignation was announced in February, but took effect on July 31.

During her address, Perreira outlined some of the changes that have taken place in the judiciary and plans for the new law year.

From 2003 to 2008, Perreira served as a High Court judge and Court of Appeal judge from 2009 to 2012.

In addition to Perreira’s elevation, two new judges were appointed to the appellate court on September 10. They are Justices Louise Blenman and Mario Michel, who have already had stints acting on the ECSC court of appeal.

Congratulatory remarks came from members of the local bar including Attorney General Judith Jones Morgan, Director of Public Prosecutions Colin Williams, President of the SVG Bar Association, Dr Linton Lewis, representative of the utter Bar, Nicole Sylvester and president of the OECS Bar Association, Ruggles Fergusson.

Brief remarks also came from His Lordship Davidson Baptiste, Justice Gertel Thom, Her Ladyship, Louise Blenman and His Lordship Mario Michel.

The new law year commenced with an Ecumenical service held at the Cathedral of the Assumption, which saw a number of local and regional members of the Bench and Bar in attendance.(KW)