Pereira says thank you for ECSC chief justice appointment
GIS - Monday, August 20th, 2012 at 11:23 AM
Justice Janice Mesadis Pereira
Acting Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC), BVIslander, Justice Janice Pereira, says she has accepted the appointment with “great humility and pride”.
“Humility in the realization that my singular efforts will be of no avail without the combined support of every judicial officer of the court and the people of the sub-region, but pride in the fact that the confidence has been placed in me to steer this illustrious institution as it continues to facilitate equity in access of justice to the people of the OECS,” said the acting chief justice in a message on the court’s website.
In offering her enduring commitment to the law, to justice and to serving the residents of the nine member states and territories, Pereira said she recognizes that she will be building on the solid foundation of the many stalwarts who have preceded her.
“I wish to especially thank my immediate predecessor Chief Justice Sir Hugh Anthony Rawlins who retired from the court on 31st July 2012, for the many lessons I have learnt through his leadership, which I have been privileged to view up close, for the past four years. I regret that he was unable to remain longer. I thank him wholeheartedly for his guidance and friendship,” said Pereira.
She was exceedingly proud of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court system and the many strides made over the past 45 years.
“As we continue into the future we remain true to our mission of serving the peoples of our ‘… member states and territories by providing access to a system of justice that is accountable and independent, and administered by officers in a prompt, fair, efficient and effective manner’,” said Pereira.
“Be reminded that the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court is the court of the people, and as such we are accountable to you,” said the acting chief justice, who invited the people of the Eastern Caribbean to take the time and avail themselves of the various information resources that may be accessed on court’s site.
“Keep informed of our various initiatives and projects; view our decisions. We also welcome your suggestions and comments in a bid to enable this facility to be of optimum service to you our users,” said Pereira.
Premier congratulates soon-to-be chief justice, a Virgin Islands
Thursday, August 9 – Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE joins in congratulating Her Ladyship, the Honourable Justice Janice Mesadis Pereira who will soon become the first female chief justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court when Her Majesty the Queen signs the letters patent.
According to Premier, “I was excited when I received this news. I am pleased that another Virgin Islander is making history for these beautiful Virgin Islands.”
Justice Pereira, formerly Janice George-Creque, is from Virgin Gorda. She has been appointed to act as chief Justice and president of the Court of Appeal effective August 1, 2012.
“I congratulate Mrs. Pereira for her continued and steadfast commitment to the field of law, locally and regionally. I have known her to be very professional, forthright, progressive and dedicated not only to her personal and professional development, but to her contribution in building law abiding communities,” Premier Smith explained.
He said, “She followed her dream and has now reached the highest pinnacle in her profession. I encourage other Virgin Islanders to follow her lead: dream big and bring those dreams to reality through hard work, commitment, and perseverance. That is how success happens.”
Premier Smith added that the Government and people of the Virgin Islands are exceptionally proud of this achievement and wishes her a successful term as she serves in this new capacity.
In the Virgin Islands, she has served as acting Registrar General, acting Registrar of the Supreme Court and Registrar of Companies, and acted and served as Magistrate. She was an Associate Attorney at Law with J.S. Archibald and Co.; Associate Attorney with Harney Westwood & Riegels; Attorney at Law with McW Todman & Co, and a law partner in Farara George-Creque & Kerrins. Regionally, she served as a High Court Judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court from 2003 to 2008 and Court of Appeal from 2009 to 2012.
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14 Comments
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To “I read it” why must you be so negative. Let the lady continue to prove herself. Justice Pereira we the people of the BVI are very proud of you. You always excel in all you do so this new appointment will be no less. Congrats!
There is nothing negative on it. Reality I will call it. Always call my attention the fact that her last former partners have never come forward on a proud manner to congratulate her for Justice Pereira achievements. Doesn’t it call your attention or curiosity? I believe in progress, if a person has never study beyond the University and obtain a Master Degree and Doctorate in law, which simply establishes that the person has no desire to acquire more knowledge. You must remember that experience has to work together with formal education.
Justice Pereira, time to update your picture.
Every Virgin Islander should be proud — I certainly am of the achievements of Her Ladyship, the Honourable Justice Janice Mesadis Pereira, whom I remember from back in the days. I wish her well and will keep her in my prayers.
YEA AUNTIE!!! PROUD OF YOU! ^_^ BOP BOP!!!..signed…kyle =P
Congratulation on your most recent achievement
I am very proud to have known you when you worked as Registrar and at J.S. Archibald & Co
Janice, the world steps aside to let a woman pass if she knows where she is going. I knew that you were destined for greatness. You are brilliant. Congratulations o your success.
This is more reason the British Virgin Islands should take more interest and be more involved in the operations of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and its future.
We are all caribbean people with one heritage.
The previous Chief Justices were all QC, is there any rule in relation to what are the rules and regulations to select a Chief Justice?
The fact that a woman was selected is interesting, but are experience and backgrounds important to nominate a Chief Justice?
Experience and background are important. She has both but I wonder how she will do when 7 judges including senior judges have call it “quit.” . She has taken over a court in the most trying times and I wish her the strength to bring that court back to what it used to be. My advice is to keep redhead especially for Penn’s case.
Obviously they are. QC is a discretionary appointment. In 2003 there was a move to abolish the thing altogether.
Please read some of Justice Pereira’s judgments avaialbe at http://www.eccourts.org. She has already distinguished herself amongst her peers. Please remember that PROMOTION COMES FROM THE LORD. She needs your prayers now for we are to pray for those in leadership.
But as far as history has shown, she never won a case in the high court when she was a lawyer, neither she won a case in the Privi Counsil. She is not a QC, She has not study beyond her law degree, How then could she become a Chief Justice only base on the fact that she was sitting as a Justice? I beleive that the Easter Caribbean has more qualified persons than her. Just a saying.!
And what have you done???
Gooo Janice – good for you! How very well done, you daughter of eden; sweet sister of hope…. Beaming with pride
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