Minister Chuck hails late Justice Ian Forte
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Delroy Chuck, has expressed profound sadness at the passing of Justice Ian Forte, OJ, CD, KC (Ret’d), hailing him as one of Jamaica’s most distinguished legal minds and a towering figure in the administration of justice.
In a tribute issued following Justice Forte’s passing on Friday, Chuck extended condolences to his widow, Marlene Forte, family members, friends, former colleagues, and the wider legal fraternity, noting that Jamaica has lost a jurist whose contributions helped shape the nation’s legal landscape for generations.
“His unwavering commitment to the rule of law, judicial excellence and the fair administration of justice helped shape and strengthen the foundations of our legal system during some of its most transformative years,” he said.
Justice Forte’s distinguished career spanned more than three decades and included service as director of public prosecutions, where he earned widespread respect for his integrity, sound judgment and steadfast commitment to the public interest. His leadership helped reinforce public confidence in Jamaica’s criminal justice system and established a standard of professionalism that continues to inspire legal practitioners.
Chuck said Forte’s appointment to the judiciary marked the continuation of an exceptional career in public service. As a judge of appeal and later president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Forte played a pivotal role in the development of Jamaican jurisprudence. He added that through thoughtful judgments, principled leadership and dedication to judicial independence, Forte helped shape legal precedents that continue to guide courts and practitioners across the country.
“His impact was not confined to Jamaica’s shores. Justice Forte’s reputation for judicial scholarship and integrity earned him recognition throughout the Caribbean, including his service as a member of the Cayman Islands Court of Appeal. Through this role, he contributed to the advancement of justice across the region, further cementing his legacy as a jurist of regional and international standing,” Chuck said.
“As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life of exceptional achievement and service. Jamaica has lost one of its most accomplished legal minds, but his legacy will endure through the institutions he helped build, the jurisprudence he helped develop and the countless lives he touched throughout his distinguished career,” the justice minister continued.
Extending condolences on behalf of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, his State Minister Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert and the Government of Jamaica, Chuck said, “May they find comfort in the knowledge that Justice Ian Forte’s contribution to justice, the rule of law and national development will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
