TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, CMC – Former Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC), Dame Janice Pereira, has been appointed to His Majesty’s Privy Council.
The appointment, approved by King Charles III, acknowledges her service and marks another historic milestone in her career.
In the announcement made Wednesday, the King also approved the appointment of Baroness Eluned Morgan, the First Minister of Wales, and John Swinney, the First Minister of Scotland, to His Majesty’s Privy Council.
Dame Pereira, who hails from Virgin Gorda in this British Overseas territory, has long been a trailblazer in the legal field.
She made history as the first female Chief Justice of the ECSC, a role she has held since 2012. She has been instrumental in modernizing the court system throughout her tenure, mainly through implementing digital justice platforms. These innovations have ensured the continued accessibility and efficiency of the judicial system, even in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Privy Council, one of the oldest judicial institutions in the United Kingdom, serves as the final court of appeal for many Commonwealth countries, including those in the Eastern Caribbean.
Membership in the Privy Council is a highly esteemed position reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service in public life. As a member, Dame Janice will provide legal advice to the Sovereign and contribute to decisions on matters of importance across the Commonwealth.
Numerous accolades mark Dame Janice’s career. In recognition of her services to the judiciary, Queen Elizabeth II awarded her the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). Additionally, she received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of the West Indies.
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