Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall places the Order of Jamaica insignia on Zaila McCalla, the country's new Chief Justice, at King's House, yesterday. Mrs. McCalla is the first female appointed to the post. - Rudolph Brown/Chief photographer

ZAILA McCALLA was yesterday sworn in as Jamaica's first female Chief Justice at King's House in St. Andrew. Far from overwhelmed, a beaming McCalla told the packed hall of dignitaries, family and friends that she planned to hit the ground running.

"I know that these events are usually followed by long celebrations, but tomorrow is another working day," she said.

Mrs. McCalla, who was selected to become the country's eighth Chief Justice, the seventh since Independence, by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller in May, was sworn in by Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall. He also bestowed upon her the Order of Jamaica, the country's fourth-highest civic honour.

Justice system shortcomings

During her acceptance speech, Mrs. McCalla acknowledged the shortcomings of the local justice system, as well as changes the national task force has recommended to make it more efficient.

"We are well aware that the speed with which issues are resolved in the courts is unacceptable. We must change our approach," she said.

A native of Lennox Bigwoods district in Westmoreland, Mrs. McCalla has succeeded Lensley Wolfe, whose tenure as Chief Justice began in 1995. A former Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judge, she is the first graduate of the University of the West Indies' Norman Manley Law School appointed to Jamaica's highest legal office.

The Governor-General, Mrs. Simpson Miller, Mr. Wolfe, Opposition Leader Bruce Golding and Attorney-General Senator A.J. Nicholson, also spoke at the swearing-in function.

Exceptional qualities

The Prime Minister said Mrs. McCalla's new job requires "exceptional qualities."

"These include courage, integrity, independence of thought and a willingness to think outside the box. Justice McCalla has demonstrated all these qualities," said Mrs. Simpson Miller.

Mr. Golding addressed the challenges currently facing the justice system. He pointed to the over 400,000 cases that went unresolved in resident magistrate's courts in 2006 as a major hurdle.

"That's definitely something that we ought to be concerned about, because for a country of the size of Jamaica to have a load of such proportions, it is a burden on the justice system," Mr. Golding said.

Mr. Nicholson, who is also Minister of Justice, expressed confidence that Mrs. McCalla would competently oversee the recommendations recently made by the task force.

"Chief Justice McCalla's reputation as a reform-minded jurist should put her in good stead in the restructuring of the justice system," Mr. Nicholson said.

See related story at the end of the lead section