New judge fills vacancy left by removal of Justice Priya Levers
Justice Richard Williams, formerly of the Supreme Court in the Turks and Caicos Islands, was sworn in on Monday as a judge of the Grand Court in the Cayman Islands.
He began work on Wednesday, with a list that consisted of divorce and family matters. An announcement from the courts said his case load will consist of all types of criminal, family and general civil claims, but he will not be sitting in the Financial Services Division.
The new judge thanked Ms Debbie Bodden of the Judicial Commission for her assistance in getting settled in. He said he was able to start work so quickly because of the helpfulness of court staff, especially Adminstrator Delene Cacho.
Justice Williams is the first judge to be appointed to the Grand Court under Cayman’s new Constitution, which set up a Judicial and Legal Services Commission to advise the Governor on such matters. His appointment was announced in June by the Governor.
At the time, Chief Justice Anthony Smellie confirmed the new judge was appointed to fill the vacancy left by the removal of Justice Priya Levers in August 2010 (Caymanian Compass, 27 June). Since then various judges have been assisting on temporary bases.
Welcoming the new member of the judiciary, Acting Chief Justice Alex Henderson said: “The Court is fortunate to have obtained someone of the calibre of Justice Williams, who has had extensive experience in a legal system very similar to that of the Cayman Islands.”
Justice Charles Quin rounds out the permanent Grand Court roster – not including the judges of the Financial Services Division.
Related Videos
