Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis congratulated Sir Michael Barnett on his appointment as President of the Court of Appeal for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. “I am pleased that Sir Michael will lend considerable talents, intellect and experience as President of the Court of Appeal,” the Prime Minister said.
The Official Swearing-In Ceremony was held in the Ballroom of Government House at Mt. Fitzwilliam on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 10am.
Sir Michael took The Oath of Allegiance and Judicial Oath, which were administered by His Excellency, the Most Hon. Cornelius A. Smith, ON, Governor General. The occasion was witnessed by Camille, Lady Barnett, other family members, friends, senior government officials, Leader of the Opposition and members of the judiciary.
“I am pleased that Sir Michael Barnett, one of the nation’s most prominent jurists and constitutional experts has accepted the appointment as President of the Court of Appeal,” the Prime Minister said.
And, he thanked Lady Barnett for her compassionate and extraordinary service to The Bahamas, including her many years working with and leading The Bahamas AIDS Foundation.
Sir Michael is the eldest child of the late Arthur Barnett and the late Beryl Barnett, both of whom served this country in their given professions for many years, the Prime Minister noted. Having revered his parents and inspired by his faith, he also observed that Sir Michael has given “Tremendous public service over the many years”.
“The law is his vocation and public service forms the fiber of his service to The Bahamas,” said the Prime Minister.
Sir Michael commenced his legal studies at the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn (Inns of Court School of Law) and was called to the English Bar in July 1978. He was admitted as Counsel and Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court of The Bahamas on August 24, 1978. He served in private capacity and subsequently joined the public service in 2008.
Sir Michael served as Chief Justice, a Justice of the Appeal in the Court of Appeal and in December 2019 was appointed President (Acting) of the Court of Appeal.
“Our country needs men and women of judicial character and temperment to serve throughout our judiciary, especially as it continues the work of judicial reform, inclusive of the reform of the criminal justice system,” the Prime Minister said.
Sir Michael Barnett was sworn in as President of the Court of Appeal by His Excellency the Most Hon. Cornelius A. Smith, Governor General, during a Swearing-In Ceremony at Government House on Tuesday, February 25, 2020. Prime Minister Minnis congratulated Sir Michael.
(BIS Photos/Letisha Henderson.
