Tributes pour in for former Court of Appeal President Ian Forte

Chief Justice Bryan Sykes’ disclosure that it was a telephone call from Justice Ian Forte that first steered him toward a judicial career is one of several tributes paid to the former Court of Appeal President. The 89-year-old died on Friday. 

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, Justice Minister Delroy Chuck and President of the Court of Appeal Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop are among officials who have lauded Forte for his contributions to the justice system in Jamaica, and the region over the last five decades.

Sykes said Justice Forte served his country “with distinction and honour”, adding that throughout his judicial career, Forte “demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fairness, independence, integrity, and excellence.”

In a personal reference, Sykes recalled that it was Justice Forte who first planted in him the idea of a judicial career.

"Many years ago, Justice Forte telephoned me and asked whether I had ever considered a judicial career. It was a simple question, posed in his characteristically quiet and courteous manner, but it caused me to reflect seriously on a path that I had not previously contemplated," Sykes said. "In many respects, that conversation planted a seed that would eventually grow into a lifelong commitment to judicial service.”

The Chief Justice also reflected on his experience appearing before Forte as a practitioner, describing him as a judge who was "invariably prepared, punctual, and thoroughly aware of the details of every case before him."

"He listened carefully to counsel and, importantly, he was persuadable. He approached each matter with an open mind and a genuine willingness to be guided by sound legal argument. That is one of the highest qualities a judge can possess," Sykes said.

Court of Appeal President Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop described Forte’s contribution as "both profound and enduring" and expressed personal gratitude for his mentorship.

"As one who now occupies the office he once held with such distinction, I am especially grateful for his mentorship and exemplary leadership, the confidence he expressed in my ability to lead the Court of Appeal and his never-failing encouragement and inspiration," McDonald-Bishop said.

Justice Minister Chuck said Forte was "a towering figure within Jamaica's justice system." He noted that his leadership as Director of Public Prosecutions set a standard of professionalism that continues to inspire prosecutors today.

Prime Minister Holness, in a social media post, described Forte as "a distinguished public servant" whose life was devoted to service. 

He extended condolences particularly to his widow, Marlene Malahoo Forte, Member of Parliament for St James West Central and former Cabinet minister.

Justice Forte served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 1977 to 1988, before joining the Court of Appeal and later becoming president. He retired in 2005. 

His judicial service extended well beyond Jamaica's shores as he served as a judge of appeal in the Cayman Islands Court of Appeal between 2004 and 2011 and was appointed to the Turks and Caicos Islands Court of Appeal in 2014.

Earlier, the ruling Jamaica Labour Party described him as "a legal luminary whose light shone brightly for many years in positively advancing his country and the wider Commonwealth jurisprudence.”

JLP Communication Taskforce Chairman Senator Abka Fitz-Henley noted that Forte was "not only an eminent jurist but a humanitarian who approached people he came across with kindness, thoughtfulness and sincerity."

During his tenure on the bench, Justice Forte was awarded the Order of Jamaica. He also served as a member and panellist of the Financial Services Commission Appeal Tribunal. Members of the Senate paid tribute during a sitting on Friday.

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