The justice system received another boost on Monday with the swearing-in of two new permanent High Court justices and an acting judge. The two permanent appointees pledged to address the longstanding backlog of cases that has burdened the courts.
President Dame Sandra Mason administered the oaths of office to Justices Wanda Blair and Corlita Babb-Schaefer at a brief swearing-in ceremony at State House.
Declaring her gratitude for the appointment, Justice Blair, who had been acting as a judge of the High Court, told reporters that she is excited about the opportunity to serve the people.
She said: “My entire career has been in the public service, and I’m looking forward to continuing to serve it efficiently and to do my best to address the backlog and contribute to the administration of justice in Barbados.”
Justice Babb-Schaefer, who brings 30 years of experience to the Bench, part of which was spent as master of the High Court, said: “I’m very excited to have this opportunity to serve the government and people of Barbados in this capacity.
“I’ve never been more excited to get a job, and I’ve had many good jobs.”
Further noting her intention to “contribute to the solution”, she expressed her hopes “to make sure there is no backlog on my account”.
“I hope to contribute to efficiency, efficiency in the judiciary, to render justice where possible,” Justice Babb-Schaefer said.
When asked about specific steps she plans to take to reduce the backlog, she said: “I hope to do some of the same things that I did as master of the High Court, and that is to get out the orders and the approved draft orders within the week for which they’re needed, so that counsel can take the necessary steps where necessary.”
Acting Justice Donna Babb-Agard SC, formerly the Director of Public Prosecutions, was also sworn in for a temporary role in the High Court.
Reflecting on her 33 years of public service, she said: “This has been an amazing journey for me. I just want to thank and take this opportunity to thank the Judicial and Legal Services Commission for the opportunity to serve in the capacity of judge of the High Court, and it is my intention to continue to put my best foot forward in the service of the government and the people of Barbados.”
Speaking on the appointments, Chief Justice Leslie Haynes pledged that Justice Babb-Agard’s position might soon be made permanent.
“The acting judge, Justice Babb-Agard, will, in the not-too-distant future, become a permanent judge,” he said.
The chief justice further praised the new appointments, noting their readiness for the roles.
He said: “Justice Blair has acted for about three years now in this position, and it’s about time that she’s sworn in as a permanent appointment. And Justice Babb-Schaefer has done excellent work as a master in the court, and she truly deserves her appointment.”
Haynes noted that, with 23 judges in total, the judiciary now has a nearly full complement of judges.
“We have one or two retirements coming this year but we are almost at full strength,” he said.
(SM)
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