Bermuda gets new Chief Justice

Bermuda’s new Chief Justice.,Ian Kawaley

Ian Kawaley was sworn in Tuesday as the island’s new Chief Justice, replacing Englishman Richard Ground who took up the post in 2004 after having also served in the Turks and Caicos Islands, another British Overseas Territory.

Ground was been appointed to the post over the objections of then-Premier Alex Scott whose choice was Jamaica-born judge Norma Wade Miller, the ex-wife of former Opposition Leader Frederick Wade.

Governor Sir Richard Gozney signed the instrument of appointment at a ceremony attended by Premier Paula Cox and the leader of the One Bermuda Alliance Craig Cannonier and United Bermuda Party legislator, Kim Swan.

The newly appointed head of the judiciary said it was a great honour and a privilege to accept the appointment, adding “Bermuda is one of the most respected legal jurisdictions in the Atlantic and Caribbean areas.

“So it is a great honor to head up the judicial system here,” he said. – (CMC)