Retired judge cites past teaching, journalism experiences in journey to special award
Published:Tuesday | October 21, 2025 | 12:10 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Retired jurist Sheron Barnes has applied many lessons over several years from her time as a teacher and a journalist to her 15 years of experience as a judge, which have culminated in her being one of St James’ awardees of the 2025 Mayor’s Special Award.
Barnes, who was awarded for her contributions to the justice system, was among eight recipients of the award during this year’s Heroes Day Civic Awards Ceremony at Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay, St James. The ceremony was held under this year’s theme, ‘Celebrating a Proud and Bold Heritage’.
In addition, nine other awardees received the 2025 Sam Sharpe Award during the function.
“There are moments where I meet people on the street who tell me, ‘I came before you, and it was you who changed my life’. That makes me feel it was worth it,” Barnes said of her years serving as a judge in several parish courts and acting as a Supreme Court judge.
“I do not know if there is anybody who could question my integrity and the fact that I acted fairly at all times – or at least I tried to. I hope that I impacted people, not just those who appeared before me, but also those who worked in the system.”
EARLY BEGINNINGS
Barnes’ journey to the judge’s bench started with her working in two completely different fields, graduating from Church Teacher’s College in 1981 and working as a reporter at The Gleaner from 1981 to 1985, then working as a teacher at Mt Alvernia High School in St James for four years until 1990. Afterward, she attended The University of the West Indies (UWI), where she pursued a degree in mass communication.
“While at UWI, I was working part time at The Gleaner’s office at North Street in Kingston, so I got the Press Association of Jamaica scholarship as well during that time. I worked at both The Gleaner and The Jamaica Herald, which was operating at that time, and it was while I was at The Jamaica Herald that I decided to apply to study law,” Barnes recounted.
“I went to school in Barbados and graduated in 2001, following which I started as a clerk of the court in that same year and went up through the ranks. My guiding principle throughout that time was, ‘Continue to be yourself, don’t forget who you are, and understand that every single person is a human being just like you, so treat them with dignity’,” she added.
“Journalism prepared me to become a prosecutor because as a journalist you know how to ask questions, and so as a prosecutor you must know how to ask questions. As a teacher, you understand that you must break things down so that people understand, and so when you are in court, you break down everything so that everybody understands it.”
MAINTAIN CONNECTIONS WITH LOVED ONES
Citing her mother as a major source of inspiration throughout her years serving in Jamaica’s court system, Barnes urged other jurists and court employees not to sacrifice their connections with their loved ones.
“My mother is a simple, straightforward woman, and she was a dressmaker, but even when I was a prosecutor in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, she was the person who I would sometimes call, and I would say, ‘Listen to this case’, and I would put it to her, and she would say to me, ‘That sounds reasonable’. She is the smartest woman I know, and she has propelled me to where I am,” said Barnes.
“Have a life outside of your job, and maintain your family contacts and your friends because they are important. You must have wisdom and know who you keep and who you leave behind,” Barnes continued. “You have to block out the naysayers and maintain your grip on those people who believe in you and propel you forward.”