GOVERNOR General Sir Patrick Allen has expressed confidence in the appointment of Justice Cecil Dennis Morrison as president of the Court of Appeal.

“The Court of Appeal will be guided by safe hands,” Sir Patrick said after the swearing-in of Justice Morrison at a function at King’s House, yesterday.

Morrison was appointed acting president of the court in August 2015 when his predecessor, Justice Seymour Panton, proceeded on pre-retirement leave after serving the legal profession for more than 30 years. Morrison has been a judge of the Court of Appeal since May 2008.

The governor general also used the opportunity to praise Justice Panton for his “stellar work” in service to the court.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Opposition Leader Andrew Holness, who were present at the function, also made speeches.

The prime minister indicated that Justice Morrison’s adept legal knowledge and level of expertise qualify him for the position.

She said that an efficient justice system requires synergies between prosecution and defence counsel to achieve the timely disposal of cases.

“A cohesive society requires that our people believe in their hearts that the system provides them with access to justice when they require it,” the prime minister said.

The opposition leader, meanwhile, said he was happy that — on the first working day of the new year — the national focus was on the justice.

“We should take it as a signal that this is the year when we focus on the justice system, because access to justice is such an important part of achieving prosperity,” Holness said.

He assured the new appeal court president of his high regard for him, as well as his support “to ensure that Jamaica achieves the best justice system for our people.”

Holness also paid tribute to the “sterling contribution” of Justice Panton and said he is confident that Justice Morrison will build on the work he started.

Morrison has also served as an appeal court judge in the Cayman Islands and Belize.

Justice Minister Mark Golding thanked Justice Morrison for helping to improve the justice system, particularly as it relates to chairing the chief justice committees on criminal case management and the development of sentencing guidelines.

Chief Justice Zaila McCalla said she expects that criminal case management will be fully implemented in all courts this year to maximise the use of judicial time.

She said she also expects a heightened awareness of the needs of the courts and the citizens of Jamaica.

Justice Morrison expressed gratitude for the appointment, and said that he was elated at being afforded the opportunity to build on an excellent court.

He said that he is committed to continued change and improvements to the Court of Appeal during his tenure.