MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Sarah Whitby takes oath as Falklands, South Georgia Senior Magistrate
Sarah Whitby takes the oath as Senior Magistrate before Governor Nigel Phillips Sarah Whitby was officially sworn in as the Falkland Islands Senior Magistrate at a ceremony at Government House. Mrs Whitby, previously Crown Counsel for Civil and Safeguarding, will fulfill the role of Senior Magistrate and Coroner for the Falklands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, and the British Antarctic Territory, as well as acting Judge for the Falkland Islands.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Whitby said she did not expect the honor of fulfilling this role towards the end of her legal career, adding, “it is a role that I know I am able to take on, and I hope that I will be able to serve the community as it should be served. And I’m sure that I will be supported by all the people in the legal community as well.”
Asked about her expectations and challenges facing her in her new job, Mrs. Whitby told Penguin News: “You have to weave a way in the community, of being able to be part of the community, and yet also have that apartness.”
Mrs. Whitby is an experienced coroner and family judge, and recently took and passed the Recorder’s induction course for all criminal judges in preparation for the role.
Mrs. Whitby said in addition to the professional support she will have access to colleagues and professional networks in the UK, and she will look to attend sittings of the Summary Court to observe how experienced Justices of the Peace manage the courtroom.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Nigel Phillips also expressed his thanks to Clare Faulds, who served as interim Senior Magistrate before Sarah Whitby took office.
Ms. Faulds has served as Senior Magistrate on numerous occasions over the last 15 years, initially between 2004 and 2006, and in spells in 2008, 2011, 2014 to 2016, and 2018 to the present.
Ms Faulds has also agreed to serve as acting Senior Magistrate should it be required, the Governor confirmed. (PN).
Top Comments
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Read all commentsAppointments are made in the Queen's name, as they are in the UK.
Jan 29th, 2020 - 12:19 am +2The islands are not fully self-governing. If they were, they would be entirely independent. Under the UN, the UK as an Administering Power, has a duty to lead its territories to a 'full-measure of self-government.” That is a process that has been taking place, very slowly, since the 1840s. It continues.
Your last paragraph is complete nonsense Liberato. Both immigration and the islands' economy are controlled by the Legislative and Executive Councils. The offensive flags of a would be thief are not regularly confiscated, though they should be. Falklands seas are patrolled by Falklands fisheries protection vessels. All under the control of the FIG. All perfectly legal under international law. Indeed, the UN requires the UK as the Administering Power to protect the resources of the Falklands NSGT for the sole use of the people of that NSGT.
The only disgrace is that South America attempts to impose its will over British Islands 300 miles from that continent. You should be ashamed.
She took her oath in front of the governor, that doesn't mean he appointed her.
Jan 28th, 2020 - 12:36 pm +1Canada, Australia etc also have governors but because they are independent they choose their own instead of London doing it.
Libby - Look up the word 'rely'. The Falklanders are only 'dependent' upon the UK for defence and foreign relations. However, until such time (?) as the Islands seek independence, they are subject to some oversight by the Administrative Power - the UK. Crown appointments are merely made in the same as in the UK.
Jan 29th, 2020 - 11:34 pm +190%? So what. The FIG control immigration, not the UK. Who they admit is up to them. Why would it be otherwise?
The Argentine flag can only be confiscated when it is used to threaten disorder. If I had my way, it would be banned from entering that territory entirely. Its very presence is an insult.
The Islands are recognised world-wide as a UN NSGT and a British BOT. Nothing will now happen to change that UNLESS the islanders decide to do so.
The UK does not attend or co-operate with the C24. The UK DOES comply with live UN resolutions with regard to human rights and self-determination. The UN has not issued a resolution for 31 years about the Falklands.
Considered to be a British possession since 1766 and a British colony from 1841. Now, of course, an NSGT and BOT.
The Supreme Court OF THE Falkland Islands. Even the Great God Wiki knows that -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_the_Falkland_Islands
Try searching on 'Supreme Court'.
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