Born in Guyana, which is often referred to as the “Land of Many Waters,” Her Ladyship, the Hon. Justice Gertel Thom, is undoubtedly a true Caribbean woman. She is an Honors graduate of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, and a UWI Pelican whose career trajectory strongly resonates with the University’s motto, “A Light Rising from the West.” She obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from the university and earned her Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School in 1982. Later that year, she was called to the Guyana Bar.
Prior to joining the bench of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Justice Thom’s career trajectory in public service was characterised by exceptional proficiency and dedication, especially in the Territory of Montserrat, where her ladyship was appointed Principal Crown Counsel in the Attorney General Chambers. In 1994, after serving the government and people of Montserrat for over three years as Principal Crown Counsel, she was appointed Attorney General. Her appointment in 2001 as the Attorney General in the neighbouring twin island of Antigua and Barbuda was a remarkable milestone in her career, as she became the first woman to hold this esteemed position and the first woman to sit in the Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet. Her appointment broke the glass ceiling, and her achievements have inspired many, especially women who aspire to achieve excellence in their respective fields where barriers and roadblocks exist.
In 2005, Her Ladyship’s philosophy of service above self and her desire to serve the people of the Caribbean region in a more holistic way became a reality when she joined the Bench of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court as a High Court Judge, assigned to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. She exhibited an unwavering commitment to intellectual integrity and rigorous analysis of every matter and person that appeared before her. Her curiosity, creativity, and flexibility were all highly valued and appreciated. Her Ladyship’s dedication to serving people more comprehensively is a testament to her commitment to service above all else and led to her elevation to the Court of Appeal effective 1st September 2014. Prior to her appointment, Justice Thom served as a Justice of Appeal on short stints beginning in December 2011. She also provided valuable service to the Judicial and Legal Services Commission from 2014 until her recent retirement.
As Chair of the Judicial Education Institute (JEI), she injected life into the Institute by ensuring its objectives and standards were met through its numerous programmes. She also fully understands that it takes a solid team to accomplish this much; it is also true that it takes a leader with great integrity, a spirit of eternal optimism, clear vision, humanity and respect for all others. Justice Thom, you have done a remarkable job with the JEI, particularly in the era of scarce resources and a pandemic. You did not take no for an answer, and each time there was a no, you provided that motivation that we should pivot, and in the end, we always got it done. The JEI will miss your “Yes, we can” approach, but we take the torch knowing well that you have prepared us for this moment, and we are forever grateful.
This, however, was not the extent of Justice Thom’s involvement. Apart from leading JEI in its judicial education thrust for judicial and administrative members of the Court, she was happy to assist in other areas of reform, such as work on the first Sentencing Guidelines Committee, the Family Law Committee leading to the promulgation of the Family Proceedings Rules in Antigua and Barbuda, and more recently on the Criminal Mediation Committee. Her support to me as Chief Justice in these additional areas, while at the same time carrying her full load as a Justice of Appeal, is testament to the true character of Justice Thom as a phenomenal jurist and human being. Words cannot adequately express my gratitude for her unwavering support and assistance. She will be greatly missed and has left big shoes to be filled.
Members of staff with whom Justice Thom worked closely during her tenure at the Court’s headquarters when asked to recall their fondest memory of her, shared the following:
“Justice Thom was an exceptional judge with unparalleled abilities. Her instructions and judgments were marked by clarity of thought and expression, conveyed directly and concisely. She is a brilliant, dedicated, committed leader, jurist, and a solid, quality human being. We owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude that can only be repaid by continuing to evolve and grow to full maturity. Now, it is time for her to pursue the enrichment of her own life, just as she has enriched countless others. She will be missed, remembered, and revered”.
“I feel so fortunate to have known Justice Thom for over a decade now. Working closely with her ladyship since her appointment as Justice of Appeal has been an absolute honour. Her unwavering commitment to justice, coupled with her compassionate judgment, has truly been an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of knowing her. Witnessing her dedication, warmth, and kindness has been nothing short of remarkable. As she prepares to close this chapter and embark on a new journey in life, I want to extend my heartfelt wishes for a future filled with joy and God’s richest blessings for a happy retirement.”
“Justice Thom is an inspiration to those around her. She sees life holistically and encourages others to do the same. Her unwavering work ethic, trustworthiness, and sharp intellect are admirable, but her well-rounded ability sets her apart. Justice Thom reminds us that while work is important, taking time for hobbies, family, and friends is equally important. Her love for sports, life lessons, and encouragement to learn new skills and be open-minded are truly inspiring. She greatly supports young people, reminding them to prioritise self-advancement. Justice Thom’s approach to life is a model for all of us to follow”.
Ms Réchanne Browne, Chief Magistrate of Saint Vincent, the Member State where Justice Thom started her sojourn on the bench, had these words to describe her ladyship:” Truth be told, this moment, this time, when our beloved judge retires, is not one we anticipated or hoped for. We’ve seen her in top form, and her life has been an outstanding example of service above self and a love for her Caribbean people. Her charm, magnetism, knowledge, and demeanour have been pivotal attributes in breaking down complex issues and rigid practitioners, paving pathways to settlement and speedy resolutions, and guiding and mentoring young advocates. I was one such advocate who enjoyed appearing before you, our beloved judge”.
On a lighter note, Justice Thom is passionate about sports, particularly basketball and Formula 1 racing, and enjoys indulging in them whenever she is not writing judgments or preparing for court. She resonates with Lewis Hamilton’s quote, ” In racing, there are always things you can learn every single day. There is always space for improvement, which applies to everything in life.” Justice Thom believes that one should never stop learning and should always stay updated on changes in their profession, as a well-informed mind is a powerful tool for success. However, she also believes that achieving balance in life is essential and that one should keep one’s family and friends close, as the memories made and shared with loved ones are what truly matter in the end.
Justice Thom, your leadership as an appellate judge for over nine years has been exceptional, and we are grateful for the opportunity and experience of working with you. Your contribution to the development of the Court’s human capital and jurisprudence will have a lasting legacy, and the people of the OECS sub-region are fortunate to have had your dedicated service. Thank you for your incredible work on behalf of the Judicial Officers and Staff of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and staff of each court office in every Member State and Territory.
As one chapter of your life ends, another one full of excitement and possibilities is about to begin. Your story has been robust and encouraging, and we do not doubt it will continue to be even more inspiring as you start this new chapter. We hope that your retirement years are everything you have dreamed of and more.
May God continue to guide and protect you. We will remember you as an exceptional judge and a wonderful human being.
Hon. Dame Janice M. Pereira, DBE
Chief Justice
