Judiciary pays tribute to former Court of Appeal president Justice Ian Forte
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Judiciary of Jamaica is mourning the loss of former president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ian Forte, OJ, CD, who died at his home early Friday.
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, OJ, CD, and President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, OJ, CD, have both paid tribute to the distinguished jurist, describing him as one of Jamaica’s most respected judicial leaders.
In a statement on Friday, Chief Justice Sykes hailed Justice Forte as a jurist of exceptional ability whose contribution to the development of the law and the administration of justice in Jamaica and the region, including Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.
“Justice Forte served his country with distinction and honour. Throughout his judicial career, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fairness, independence, integrity, and excellence. His leadership of the Court of Appeal and his contribution to Jamaican and Caribbean jurisprudence have left an indelible mark on our legal system and on the wider society,” he said.
Chief Justice Sykes also reflected on the personal impact Justice Forte had on his own professional journey.
“Many years ago, Justice Forte telephoned me and asked whether I had ever considered a judicial career. It was a simple question, posed in his characteristically quiet and courteous manner, but it caused me to reflect seriously on a path that I had not previously contemplated. In many respects, that conversation planted a seed that would eventually grow into a lifelong commitment to judicial service.
“As a practitioner, I had the privilege of appearing before him. He was a judge who was invariably prepared, punctual and thoroughly aware of the details of every case before him. He listened carefully to counsel and, importantly, he was persuadable. He approached each matter with an open mind and a genuine willingness to be guided by sound legal argument. That is one of the highest qualities a judge can possess,” Syke recalled.
He described Justice Forte as soft-spoken, unfailingly polite and a person who always treated others with dignity and respect.
“Yet beneath that quiet demeanour was a formidable legal intellect and an unwavering commitment to the administration of justice. His example left a lasting impression on me and on many others within the profession,” he said.
The chief justice noted that Justice Forte was held in high regard by generations of judges, attorneys, court staff, and members of the public who came to know him as a man of wisdom, humility, courtesy, and steadfast devotion to public service.
Justice McDonald-Bishop also paid tribute to Justice Forte’s distinguished service, enduring legacy and mentorship.
“Justice Forte was an outstanding jurist whose contribution to the Court of Appeal and to the development of the jurisprudence of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean was both profound and enduring. He brought to judicial office an exceptional intellect, unwavering integrity, consistent respect for others and a deep appreciation of the responsibility entrusted to judges in the administration of justice especially those at the appellate level,” she said.
She noted that as president of the Court of Appeal he provided steady and principled leadership, helping to strengthen the institution and enhance public confidence in its work.
“His judgments reflected careful scholarship, sound reasoning and an abiding commitment to fairness, which will endure for generations to come.”
McDonald-Bishop also expressed gratitude for the mentorship and encouragement she received from Justice Forte throughout her career.
“As one who now occupies the office he once held with such distinction, I am especially grateful for his mentorship and exemplary leadership, the confidence he expressed in my ability to lead the Court of Appeal and his never-failing encouragement and inspiration. I am deeply and mindful of the enduring influence of his leadership and the example he set for those who have followed, which I sincerely hope to emulate,” she said.
On behalf of the Judiciary of Jamaica, Chief Justice Sykes extended sincere condolences to Justice Forte’s wife, his children other members of his family, his friends, former colleagues at the bar and on the bench, and all those whose lives were touched by his remarkable service and leadership.
“The thoughts and prayers of the entire judiciary are with his family at this time of bereavement. We mourn with them, even as we celebrate a life of extraordinary achievement, service and contribution to Jamaica. His legacy will endure in the institutions he helped to strengthen, the jurisprudence he helped to shape, and the many legal practitioners and judges whom he inspired.”
