The Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Senator the Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons, JP, announced the establishment of a panel of persons from whom litigation guardians appointed by the Court under the Children Act 1998 must be selected.
They are Mrs. Elaine Charles, Dr. Sharon Apopa, Mr. Lyndon Jackson, Ms. Marilyn Jackson, and Miss Amirah Abdullah.
Minister Simmons stated, “We are pleased to announce the names of the panel of litigation guardians. The public is reminded that the litigation guardian is under a duty to represent the child, and safeguard the child’s interests in certain proceedings. The Chief Justice has been advised accordingly, and the Court can now effectively select a litigation guardian from the panel, unless it is satisfied that it is not necessary to do so in order to protect the child’s interests.”
The panelists have extensive skills, experience and training. There will also be professional development provided to them, in this subject matter, during this fiscal year, which will keep them abreast of best practices in this area.
The panel functions independently in this role, and the Ministry of Legal Affairs oversees the administrative functions such as salary.