The chief justice and president of the Court of Appeal were sworn in, in a historic ceremony. Both men used the opportunity to pledge their loyalty, commitment, and ambitions for the country. Justice Row,e in his address, appealed to the Bar Association of Jamaica to assist with books and periodicals as their direct contribution to legal education in Jamaica.

Published Thursday, January 3, 1985

New C.J., Appeal Court president sworn in

The new chief justice of Jamaica and the president of the Court Appeal were sworn in by Governor General Sir Florizel Glasspole at a simple ceremony held at King's House yesterday morning.

The Chief Justice, the Hon. Edward Zacca, and the President of the Court of Appeal, the Hon. Ira deCordova Rowe, both took the solemn pledge to carry out their duties without partiality, fear, or favour.

Chief Justice Zacca served as the president of the Court of Appeal prior to his selection to the highest position in the judiciary in Jamaica. He was appointed last year, following the retirement of the Hon. Kenneth Smith.

His first involvement with the court came in 1954 when, having graduated from law school in London, he worked in Jamaica as a clerk of courts. In 1956, he was made a resident magistrate, a position he held until 1975 when he was promoted to a judge of the Court of Appeal.

His presidency of the Court Appeal came in 1981, and he served in that capacity until last year when he was appointed chief justice of Jamaica.

In a brief address, accepting the position, the chief justice commented that the proper administration of justice demanded a strong bar and an equally strong and independent judiciary. The integrity and quality of the judges should always be of the highest standard, he said. “Our judges are symbols of impartiality and fairness," he remarked.

Within this context, the chief justice pledged to do his part in the execution of justice in Jamaica.

He praised retired Chief Justice, the Hon. Kenneth Smith (who was absent), for the “valuable contribution he made to the legal and judicial service in Jamaica". He wished the Hon. Mr Smith and his wife a happy retirement.

The chief justice also praised the governor general for the manner in which he executed his duties as governor general of Jamaica.

The president of the Court of Appeal entered the Appeal Court in 1979, having had experience with several other arms of the judiciary. His legal career dates back to 1947 when he served as assistant clerk of courts, having studied in London, England. He was called to the Bar in 1958 and was appointed clerk of courts in 1959. He acted as resident magistrate for Trelawny in 1962, and between 19662 and 1965, he was legal adviser to the Jamaican high commissioner in London.

The Hon. Justice Rowe served as Crown Counsel for a short while in 1965 and moved on to act as solicitor general for Jamaica in 1967. In 1970, he became a puisne judge.

In his address, the Hon. Justice Rowe spoke about the shortage of books and periodicals in the library of the Court of Appeal. He called on the Jamaica Bar Association to assist in the purchase of books and periodicals as their direct contribution to legal education in Jamaica.

He also praised the former chief justice for his contribution to the legal system in Jamaica.

The president also observed that the ceremony was a historic one as it was the first time since 1962 that the president of the Court of Appeal and the chief justice were sworn in at the same time.

The governor general then expressed hope for a more vibrant economy for 1985.

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