KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Leader Andrew Holness today congratulated Justice C Dennis Morrison on being sworn in as the President of the Court of Appeal.

“I am happy that we start the first working day in the new year with a focus on justice,” Holness said. “We should take it as a signal that this is the year when we focus on the justice system. Access to justice is such an important part of achieving prosperity.”

Holness, who was speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Morrison, said: “It is of important note that he was a member of the class of the first batch of graduates of the UWI Faculty of Law and to be admitted to practice in Jamaica.”

He continued: “Dennis is more than a jurist, I am told he was also referred to as a linguist and some will also remember him as an actor.

“He is a Rhodes scholar and a brilliant legal mind, who has contributed so much to the legal profession,” the Opposition leader continued. “I am sure we would all agree, that Dennis Morrison is a fine product of the Jamaican legal system and he represents the best of Jamaica. “

He said it is not surprising that such homegrown talent coupled with academic excellence should achieve this honour of President of The Court of Appeal.

The Opposition leader assured the new president of “his highest regard and united support, to ensure that Jamaica achieves the best justice system for our people”.

Meanwhile, Holness also paid tribute to the sterling contribution of the former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Seymour Panton, and said he is confident that Justice Morrison will build on his work.

“Despite the difficulties and resource constraints which confront our judges daily in the dispensation of justice to the public, it is uncontested that our judges comport themselves celerity, diligence, impartiality, integrity, and astuteness, inspiring confidence in the attorneys and the public alike that justice has been done.

“With this in mind, please accept my congratulations and assurance of support. God bless you and guide you with his wisdom, and God bless Jamaica,” he said.