Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall (right) presents the Instrument of Appointintment to Justice Seymour Panton, the new president of the Court of Appeal, at a swearing-in ceremony at King's House yesterday. Justice Panton was also bestowed with the Order of Jamaica at the ceremony. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

Court of Appeal judge, Seymour Panton, was yesterday sworn in as the president of the Court of Appeal in a ceremony at King's House, St. Andrew.He was also invested with the Order of Jamaica at the ceremony.

Justice Panton, who becomes the 10th president of the Court of Appeal, was sworn in by Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall, who charged him to continue in the stead of quality leadership, shown by outgoing president Justice Paul Harrison.

In his acceptance speech, Justice Panton urged judges across the island to maintain their sovereignty from influence. "I urge every serving judge to try to give your best at all times, never forgetting that a just conclusion is what is desired in every case. Ensure that you do not succumb to any form of pressure from any source whatsoever. Always bear in mind that an independent judiciary is the cornerstone of democracy."

Justice Panton, who became the youngest Supreme Court judge at the age of 35, also indicated his intention of ensuring the appointment of more judges to the bench. This, he said, will alleviate the workload placed on judges across the country.

Appointment applauded

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller applauded the appointment of Justice Panton, saying it was most important, due to the status of the Court of Appeal as the "people's court".

Mrs. Simpson Miller said that while the Court of Appeal is the second highest court in the land next to the Privy Council, it is debatably the highest court due to financial constraints that prevent most Jamaicans from taking their cases to the U.K.-based Privy Council.

Opposition Leader Bruce Golding said that Justice Panton's appointment was a step in the right direction for Jamaica, as Justice Panton himself has motioned for, in the past, the reform and change of the justice system.