Sykes to be confirmed as Chief Justice Friday — source
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Veteran jurist Bryan Sykes will be confirmed as Chief Justice on Friday, OBSERVER ONLINE has been informed.
Last month Sykes was appointed by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen to act as Chief Justice, upon the advice of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, which sparked opposition from various sections of the society into the rationale of the action. It marked the first time in Jamaica’s history that a Chief Justice had been asked to act in the capacity where a clear vacancy existed.
The Sunday Observer yesterday quoted one of two unnamed sources as saying that the ratification of Justice Sykes as head of the judiciary would be done “within days”.
Word came minutes ago that the temporary appointment would be made permanent on Friday.
It is not clear if a special ceremony will be held at King’s House, the official residence of the Governor General, where the initial ceremony was held.
Information has also reached OBSERVER ONLINE that Justice Sykes will be accorded Jamaica’s fourth highest national honour — the Order of Jamaica — soon. He is now the holder of the Order of Distinction (Commander Class).
