Three judges, Justices Wanda Blair, Westmin James and Anthony L. Blackman, were sworn in on Thursday as their appointments took effect.They were administered the oaths of office by President The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason who said the trio was “seasoned in the law” and she expected them to do well.Justice James’ appointment is for two years while Justices Blair and Blackman are in their posts for three years.Chief Justice Sir Patterson Cheltenham, who attended the brief ceremony that was also witnessed by family members of the judges, said the judges were “excellent appointments”.
Jul 26, 2021
Andrew Bennett
In other court news, the prosecution presenting the case against attorney Andrew Bennett did not reach very far in court today when their attempt to submit wire-tapped evidence was struck out by Justice Westmin James on grounds that the U.S. violated Bennett’s constitutional rights. But Justice James did not rule to stay the proceedings because he believes there is other evidential material that could be considered. Bennett became the subject of an intense US investigation and subsequent request for his extradition in December of 2017 for allegedly engaging in a money laundering operation in Puerto Rico. Since then, there have been several adjournments in his case following arguments by Bennett’s attorneys, Anthony Sylvestre and Iliana Swift. Following Justice James’ decision today, the matter was referred back to the lower courts where the extradition proceeding is still pending. Bennett has maintained his innocence throughou