FREEPORT, Grand Bahama — Another Supreme Court judge is expected to start serving on the bench in Grand Bahama on May 1, Chief Justice Ian Winder announced in Freeport on Friday, The Tribune reported in an article written by Denise Maycock.
The appointment brings the number of full-time judges to three in Grand Bahama to help address the backlog of civil and criminal matters before the Supreme Court here.
Chief Justice Winder attended the annual church service with members of the Judiciary in Grand Bahama at the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King, marking the opening of the 2023 Legal Year in Grand Bahama.
He noted that Grand Bahama requires an additional judge to assist Supreme Court judges Andrew Forbes on the criminal side and Petra Hanna-Adderley on the civil side.
“The need for a third judge will help us with the backlog situation,” Mr Winder explained.
“We will place a new judge in GB in May that would be responsible for not only civil and criminal matters. We are extending the ability for Grand Bahamians to get access to justice more readily, with a third judge to hear their matters.”
Asked whether Grand Bahama attorney Gregory Moss was among the five new judge appointments this year, Mr Winder would not say, but indicated that the names would soon be disclosed.
“We will make an official statement of who the five judges are, including the one for GB. That process will come shortly, and that judge will take office on May 1,” he said.
“I am glad to have the new year marked as open in GB and look forward to a productive year throughout the bench, the Bar, and for the citizens of GB,” he said.
Additionally, Mr Winder said residents of West Grand Bahama can expect the reopening of the Eight Mile Rock Magistrate’s Court.
“EMR court is near completion and is just awaiting furniture so we can place the magistrate back in there. The residents of WGB have had to come all the way to Freeport to have matters heard and be dealt with. That will alleviate that stress for those residents,” said the chief justice.
During his sermon, Canon Norman Lightbourne noted that as the country celebrates its 50th year of independence, it deserves a competent, efficient, and independent judiciary.
He added that the judiciary must be provided the necessary tools it needs to execute its duties. He noted that recent reports by the chief justice about the condition of buildings “is a crying shame.”
“Despite the inconveniences and handicaps, I encourage you to remain focus to your call to serve,” he said. See complete article in The Tribune at http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/jan/13/grand-bahama-have-third-full-time-judge-may/
