Seasoned int’l judge the new head of Criminal Division in BVI Courts
Canadian Justice Richard Floyd who is lauded as a seasoned judge, attorney and legal practitioner has been appointed the Head of the Criminal Division of the Virgin Islands’ bench.
This is according to a media release from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions which said Justice Floyd commenced matters in the territory this week after his December 2020 appointment.
Speaking on the appointment of the internationally recognised Justice Floyd, Governor John Rankin said he believes the experience will go a long way in contributing to the development of the territory’s justice system.
“I know that like other courts in the region, the Virgin Islands courts are tasked with a heavy load and other challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. I trust that Justice Floyd’s wealth of experience would help guide the territory forward through this period,” the Governor stated.
Experience
According to the media release, Justice Floyd played a pivotal role in the development of Antigua’s first dedicated criminal court while serving as their Criminal Division Judge.
He also previously “worked as Crown Counsel in Canada, a Prosecutor in Australia, and taught at Queen’s University Law School in Canada. In 2016, he was recognised as an International Fellow with the National Association of Attorneys General in Washington, DC.”
Justice Floyd’s educational background includes studying at institutions such as the University of Ottawa, York University, and Harvard University in the United States.
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Looks good for after the Commission of Enquiry!
Bad news for the bad guys disclosed in the Commission’s report.
White former Governor, white commissioner, white secretary and now a white criminal judge. Was there no black man qualified or is white the qualification?
Will there be a change in the administration of Justice? Hopefully, no longer a two tier system where expats and locals are treated differently. Only time will tell.
Ayo always with that foolishness. There isn’t any disparity between locals and expats in the criminal system in terms of sentencing. Over 80% of our judicial and legal system are expats. The police force, criminal lawyers, prosecution, judges, magistrates are mostly foreigners some only on short term contracts and new to the island at the time of their appointment. They have no reason to treat locals any different.
Lining him up to handle the trials after the COI.
Got to be because I don’t see why a Judge who would understand our local circumstances and people wasn’t appointed. Usually the criminal judges come from the Caribbean…they went far and wide for this one and he just show up on this scene…hmmmm…
New judge’s family is from Grenada.
Also BVI is a small place, appointing local people would only result in many many delays due to conflicts of interest. You cannot preside over people you are acquainted even if it is casual.
That is why local lawyer Thompson was appointed to st. Lucia and not BVI.
No one said the judge should be a local…read again…
you said….. “I don’t see why a Judge who would understand our local circumstances and people wasn’t appointed. Usually the criminal judges come from the Caribbean…”
since his family is from Grenada and he worked in Antigua,,,,,why do you believe he would not understand local circumstances and the Caribbean?
Canadians are not bias. I think he will be fine.
You should change your name to negative duck.
need arguing with anyone. To beat this kind of kleptocracy is to put in the past, the instruments of colo and neocolonialism.
GREAT DESCICSIONS TO CHOOSE SOMEONE , WELL EDUCATED, AND KNOWLEDGE . PLEASE MAKE SURE APPLY THE LAW WITHOUT RACISM , OR EXPAT OR BVI NO MATTER WHAT LET ANY PAY FOR WHAT DONE. IT IS A FANASTIC AND EXCELLENT PLEASURE TO HAVE AN OUTSIDE PERSON SO THIS PEOPLE DONT PULL ONLY FOR THEMSELF AND FAVORITES BECAUSE IM FROM HERE !!!! EXCELLENT WELCOME TO BVI.