24 January 2018
Governor Lisa Phillips, last evening, Tuesday 23 January 2018, hosted a reception at Plantation House to mark the tenth anniversary of Chief Justice Charles Ekins Esq’s appointment as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of St Helena.
Governor Lisa remarked:
“I am happy to host this reception, bringing to a close the session of the Supreme Court. I would also like to particularly recognise the contribution of the Chief Justice, Charles Ekins, to St Helena and the rest of the territory – a contribution that has now spanned over 10 years. I would like to join others in congratulating the Chief Justice on his decade of service. I consider the Chief Justice to epitomise what integrity, principle, dedication and compassionate service looks like. He understands intimately the mood of St Helena and the way that it thinks. He has been patient where he knows he needs to be, but impatient when we need to be pushed. In particular, his personal support for the system of Lay Advocates and Lay Magistrates has meant that we can say there is truly justice for all in the territory. This shouldn’t be underestimated. Around the world some countries would look enviously at us for this.
“The work of the Supreme Court today and the other parts of the system mean that our judicial system continues to go from strength to strength. Providing an effective judiciary and rule of law is a foundation of good governance and is also absolutely necessary as a precondition to economic development. St Helena’s future depends on continuing high standards of governance.
“I very much appreciate the work of the Chief Justice, this Supreme Court, and the work that is done by all those who are here this evening.”
Chief Justice Ekins thanked the Governor for her kind words. He said:
“St Helena is a very special place and the last 10 years has been an education for me. The work we do in the courts is of huge importance to the Island and it’s not down to a single individual. I am in awe of the support we receive at every level.”
The Chief Justice then went on to praise the work of the Lay Magistrates and Lay Advocates. He also made special mention of the Judicial Services’ team – Yvonne Williams, Belinda Piek and Amelia Gough – for their remarkable work in ensuring the smooth administration of justice for both the Magistrates and Supreme Court.
The Chief Justice departs the Island on Saturday, 27 January 2018.
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SHG
24 January 2018