Expat likely for vacant post of chief magistrate

THE process for the appointment of the new chief magistrate is nearing completion and the announcement is to be made soon,” Minister of Justice and Attorney-General Davis Steven says.
He told The National that there was interest from an expatriate.
“I’m happy to say that we have received interest from an expatriate,” Steven said. “An announcement is likely to be made soon mainly because I want stability and leadership continuity in the lower courts.
“We are now working on the shortlist and interviews will be done and a decision will be made.”
He said the Government under its medium-term development plan three placed its priority in strengthening the lower courts as a way of delivering the overall justice administration and system.
Steven said current Chief Magistrate Nerrie Eliakim’s term had expired on Feb 2 and she was acting.
“The reason for the delay was for the Judicial Legal Services Commission (JLSC) to convene and decide,” he said. JLSC is a constitutional commission comprising the minister for justice, chief justice, representatives from the Ombudsman Commission and Parliament.
“The advertisement was open to nationals and non-nationals and the period was extended to be practical,” Steven said. “There was no detriment to be suffered because an acting appointment decision had already being made.