Ramsay-Hale returns to Cayman bench
(CNS): Margaret Ramsay-Hale, who served for many years as a magistrate in Summary Court and as an acting Grand Court judge here in the Cayman Islands before she left to sit on the bench in the Turks and Caicos Islands, is returning to in the New Year. Governor Martyn Roper, on advice from the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, has appointed the popular justice to the Grand Court following an open recruitment process.
The local bench is in desperate need of judges, as most of those currently sitting in criminal matters in the Grand Court are visiting judges from other jurisdictions who can only sit for limited periods.
The JLSC interviewed five people for this post, which was advertised locally and overseas, and selected Justice Ramsay-Hale, who is currently serving as the TCI chief justice.
“Justice Ramsay-Hale’s skills and experiences, as well as her commitment and passion to the legal and judicial services will serve to continue to enhance our judiciary,” the governor stated. “I look forward to formally welcoming her back home in the New Year.”
Chief Justice Anthony Smellie supported the governor’s decision and echoed his sentiments. “Justice Ramsay-Hale’s wide breadth of knowledge in the criminal, civil and commercial courts will be well utilised in her new role.”
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid
She left here and returned with Chief Justice credentials, so when the current CJ retires we have someone in line to take over.
Finally! Now I can put in my application for unpaid child support. None of these other judges would ever do anything to these deadbeat men.
Hale to the chief 🙂
Pipe down. Smellie is doing just fine.
I am amazed at how much this lady has been praised on here and on social media by the people of Cayman. Not many Judges that I know of are this respected or even deserving of this praise..Cayman lost her once but I trust that we will do all what we can to ensure that she stays here and if possible become our next Chief Justice.
This is great news for Cayman. Margaret Ramsay-Hale was an excellent Chief Magistrate and highly competent lawyer. I agree with some of the comments above – she should have been appointed a full-time GCJ when she was here and it has taken 8 years for the Chief Justice and the JSLC to come to their senses!!
Congratulations! Long overdue…
Good she might be, but she was no match for the dearly departed Priya Leavers.
Please!!!!
She ran just after the criminal shot up her house!poor Cayman.
That’s awesome!!! She’s the best!!!
Welcome back! A wonderful person through and through.
Welcome back ! a firm but fare judge
fair!!!
Let’s hope she regulates the taxis then.
Get serious about crime and make us all happy.
Is this a demotion? From Chief Justice in the Turks and Caicos Islands to Justice to the Grand Court Cayman Islands.
Depends on your perspective. I think it is unlikely that she has come here to be a mere justice forever. She will probably be the next Chief Justice
Soon come. This time she will have CJ credentials!, a win win for Cayman. Welcome back madam CJ.
only for the time being
Living in Cayman is a promotion, regardless of job title.
Very beautiful , very clever and very much needed back,
Congratulations to Justice Ramsey, they just couldn’t deny the inevitable.
Welcome back welcome back.
welcome back!
It was a shame that we lost her to Turks and Caicos in the first place. She should have been offered this same position back then XXXX