KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Judith A Pusey has been sworn in as the country’s first Chief Judge of the Parish Courts.

She was appointed under the Judicature (Resident Magistrates) (Amendment and Change of Name) Act 2015 and on the advice of the Judicial Services Commission.

The legislation, among other things, changes the name of the Resident Magistrate’s courts to Parish Courts.

It also states that judicial officers of these courts will no longer be referred to as resident magistrates, but judges of the parish courts, and establishes the new offices of a chief judge of the parish court, and an executive legal officer to the chief judge of the parish court.

At a swearing-in ceremony for judges at King’s House yesterday, Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen, congratulated Pusey on her new role and position.

He said she is making history as the first person and first woman to occupy the new office.

The governor-general said the country’s judicial system has continued to grow over the years and is entering a dynamic period, particularly with the changes to the Resident Magistrates Act.

President, Court of Appeal, Justice Dennis Morrison wished Pusey “the very best of luck as she seeks to bring some definition to this important new office”.

The other judges sworn in during the ceremony were the Justice Paulette A Williams, who has been appointed as Judge of Appeal; Justice Carol C Edwards, who has been appointed to act as Judge of Appeal; Carolyn Tie, Stephanie A Jackson Haisley, and Sonya M Wint-Blair who will act as puisne judges; and Pamela Margot Mason, who will act as Master-in-