JAMAICA’S new chief justice, Zaila McCalla, yesterday pledged to reform the country’s justice system and said that collaboration would be key to effect the transformation.

Justice McCalla, the first woman to be appointed as head of the judiciary, takes over today from Justice Lensley Wolfe, who served as chief justice for just under 11 years.

“This is my beloved country and I stand committed to accept the challenge for change,” said Justice McCalla, the country’s eighth chief justice, after she was sworn in by Governor-General Kenneth Hall at King’s House, the official home of the head of state in Kingston.

“We must look to see the implementation stage of the reform process as soon as the recommendations are approved. I will put to rest the expectation and prediction of the naysayers that had previously (said) the 2007 task force report will be shelved,” said McCalla.

She took the Oath of Allegiance, promising to uphold and defend the constitution and laws of Jamaica at about 5:21 pm and four minutes later she received the instrument of appointment as chief justice.

Justice McCalla was also conferred with the Order of Jamaica, the nation’s fourth highest honour, on the recommendation of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the Jamaican justice system. She has been serving the judiciary for 22 years.

In her response, McCalla said members of the judiciary must have the strength and endurance to stay the course in order to effectively serve Jamaicans from all walks of life.

“I challenge all persons who work in the justice system to come together and let us work to reform the system,” she said. “The call is justice for all, but let us accept the responsibility of all for justice.