The Newly-appointed Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has been hailed as an “advocate for justice” and one who possesses strong and good working ethics.
Justice Janice Perreira received those acolades from her fellow lawyers at “a special sitting” of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC)in Roseau on Monday. It was the first sitting in Dominica of the ECSC with Justice Perreira as Chief Justice (CJ) as well as newly appointed justices of appeal Mario Michel and Louise Blenman.
Justice Bernie Stephenson who has known and worked with the CJ since 2000, said she has entered into this job with a wide and varied background. “She has an even temperament and her appointment is an important one for women in the Caribbean as a first female Chief Justice. She joins the likes of Dame Eugenia Charles and other distinguished women in the Caribbean. Continue in the grace and competence and always give thanks to the Lord God in everything,” Stephenson said.
Attorney General Levi Peter described Justice perreira’s appointment as a historic milestone “It’s a cause for celebration on this achievement even if it took years in coming. You have dismantled barriers and rewritten history. It’s another candle lit along the path as you continue to blaze the trial for the young girls and others to come,” Peter remarked.
“It’s a distinction and merit well deserved” said retired Ag. Chief Justice, Sir Brian Alleyne, who worked with Justice Perreira for a number of years.
“It’s a distinction and merit well deserved” he said pointing out that she had the requisite skills and work ethics. He said that she had come in historic, challenging and difficult times when “the populace in Dominica” and the region was demanding accountability from the ECSC. “This adds to your burden besides the administrative side. However, I am sure that under your leadership you will ensure that accountability is given at all times,” the former CJ stated.
Sir Brian’s remarks were strongly supported by senior counsel, Anthony Astaphan. “I totally agree with Sir Brian on his remarks dealing with accountability…..not often do I agree with him and this is a rare occasion that I do,” Astaphan stated. He praised the CJ for her soundness and correct judgment despite disagreeing with one of her decisions which he said he will take to the Privy Council.
Others present who lent their voices to the glowing tributes paid to the new Chief Justice were Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Gene Pestaina, Chief Magistrate Evalina Baptiste, president of the Dominica Bar Association Wynante Adrian-Roberts and Justices of Appeal Michel and Blenman.
CJ Pereira, in her response, said the ECSC is one of “justice and fairness”, stating that accountability is key in the system and that she intends to “work on the foundation and building blocks of former CJ’s.”
She said the 45 year-old institution is “a unique court……I am honoured to have been given this task to serve you, and those who made the appointment I thank them. I can’t do it alone, I need your help and support,” she said.
Also in attendance at the special sitting chaired by resident Judge, Justice Brian Cottle, were former Attorneys General in Dominica Henry Dyer and Anthony Laronde and Speaker Alix Boyd-Knights who is herself a lawyer.
dno doh allow people of dominica to make their genuine comments…..
Congrats CJ Pereira!!!! Like you said all of us have to help you maintain the high standard of the Court!!!
I wonder where wwere people like the former Magistrate? what was his view of all of this talk? He called for systemic changes and is still being ignored, I suspect that is why you never see him at any ceremony, not for the opening of the law term, or any of the receptions. I have never seen him attend these functions.
you blowing hot and cold when it suits you most…all we need to do is to go to the SUN’S NEWSPAPER article back page headlines a few months ago. A piece written on the OECS COURT OF APPEAL when CJ Rawlins resigned. You indicated then that you would rather that the new CJ comes from outside the current grouping and the authorities should look elsewhere. I hope that the new C J reads that article.
Some of us believe that ALL Dominicans have fowl memory but surely thats a myth. I accept the new nominee in the post and wish othe others well. The Oecs Supreme Court is very well respected and constituted.
Do you know that Sir Brian was not knighted ny the Queen of ENGLAND but received his Knighthood by the government of Antigua ? Dno dont just take my word for it. Do make your research and get back to me!!!
Too often the Court has been under serious attack from some sections of the MASS media in Da yet Sir Brian is quite MOO MOO about it. Thats an issue he has yet to talk about. How can the court continue to maintain its great stature while its credibility is under constant attack. Shockingly when Curacao born Dominican National Justice Andre spoke here recently ; he himself was silent on the abuse of the bench. How can the legal profession be fully respected when officers of the court fail to respond to such abuses of the court and its officers. Clearly I blame the politicians and their operatives and also the Ag Chambers and also the Bench for not bringing contempt of court proceedings on those concerned. All of this has to stop. There are also young lawyers who do the same privately and on air and the bar association says absolutely nothing. There is always room for an intellectual and objective critique of judgments. The judges dont always CONCUR.There is always room for dissent but respect must be maintained by all comers for the courts decision.
Self Praise, self praise, self praise…
Oh boy the other judge told us the same thing and his performance was disappointing at best.
My fellow DNO ites I don’t trust the legal profession from judges to baby counsels so please pardon my synisism. In small societies like ours where judge Tom is pawen or nenen of counsel Dick and Dick is Bopen of senior counsel easy la port and easy laport is Representative of superior X and superior X is a liar and a crook – how the heck should mini me trust the black robe of brotherhood and sisterhood even when they appear to be going against each other in the court room.
Sisi Zeb garçon Chen cow quiet eh. Sisi Zeb ha no right in grass hopper race.
LOL; but so true.
such weak acolades – so safe and generic – what does she stand for? What mark does she want to make on the legal system? I mean come on – have some passion….