For the first time in history, a Virgin Gordan has climbed to the highest ranks of the judicial system. Dame Janice Pereira, who in 2012 became the first female chief justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, has now been appointed to the Privy Council in the United Kingdom.
“This prestigious accolade is a fitting testament to her distinguished career and unwavering commitment to justice across the region,” said Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley.
The position, he explained, includes a wide range of important functions.
“Her key role will include serving as a member of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, which is one of the highest courts of appeal for several independent Commonwealth countries, British overseas territories, crown dependencies, and military sovereign base areas,” Dr. Wheatley explained.
Since the Privy Council was formed as the executive arm of English government in the 13th Century, it has been an advisory body to the monarch.
Today, its members, known as “Privy Counsellors,” are appointed for life by the monarch on the advice of the UK prime minister.
“Understanding that appointments can come from anywhere within the realm, the fact that a daughter of our soil, a proud and radiant Virgin Islander, was chosen makes this more special certainly to her but also for us as a territory,” Dr. Wheatley said.
Early life
Dame Janice was born in Virgin Gorda and received her primary education there at the North Sound Primary School. In 1975, she graduated as valedictorian of the then-BVI High School at the age of 17.
“Deemed too young at the time to receive a scholarship to study abroad, an intervention by her district representative, [Ralph O’Neal], resulted in her receiving the scholarship,” Dr. Wheatley said.
She earned a Bachelor of Laws with honours from the University of the West Indies in 1979 and a Certificate of Legal Education in 1981 from the Norman Manley Law School.
Called to the bar
The same year, she was called to the VI bar, becoming one of the first two women to be admitted on the same day.
In the public sector, she has served as the registrar of the Supreme Court, the registrar of companies, the supervisor of elections and magistrate, among other positions.
“Her service is poignantly noted as she was the registrar of companies when the International Business Companies Act was passed in 1984,” the premier said. “In 1989, she was seconded by government to help the Registry of Companies cope with the increase of companies wishing to be incorporated in the Virgin Islands.”
Later, in private practice, Dame Janice won cases on the status of children and pushed to reform the territory’s bastardy laws, according to the premier.
“She was unwavering in her position and shared her candid views on the issue wherever she was welcomed to speak,” he said. “In 2014, the Legislative Council of the Virgin Islands enacted the Status of Children Act, which made all children equal in the eyes of the law.”
On the bench
In 2003, Dame Janice was appointed a judge of the ECSC, and she was promoted to the Court of Appeal in 2008 and then to chief justice in 2012.
She held that position until her retirement this year, becoming the ECSC’s longest-serving chief justice.
In 2013, she was awarded the Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.
The premier said the government will mark Dame Janice’s accomplishments soon with a series of events.
“While we were planning to celebrate her in retirement, we now have cause to celebrate this additional appointment,” he said, adding, “Her remarkable career serves as an inspiration to all, and the Virgin Islands stands in deep admiration of her contributions and continued excellence.”
