Chief Justice Sir Michael Barnett has announced that Justice Indra Charles was sworn in as a Justice of the Supreme Court by Governor-General Sir Arthur Foulkes at Government House on January 6, 2012.

Justice Charles served as a Justice of the High Court of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court since January, 2000. She served as a resident Justice in the British Virgin Islands from January 1, 2005, until her retirement from that court in December 2011.

Governor-General Sir Arthur Foulkes (right) swears in Justice Indira Charles as Justice of the Supreme Court of The Bahamas on January 6 at Government House. (BIS Photo/ Derek Smith)

Justice Charles also served as an Acting Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court on three separate occasions.

Educated at the University of the West Indies, Justice Charles received her Certificate of Legal Education from the Council of Legal Education in 1983. Justice Charles also served as a Magistrate and Chief Registrar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

Chief Justice Barnett said that he is pleased that the Supreme Court has been able to have such an experienced judge on the bench.

“Justice Charles brings a wealth of experience both on the criminal and civil side. Having served in the British Virgin Islands, Justice Charles has presided over civil trials relating to the financial services industry, as well the usual criminal matters that are found in the countries of our region.”

The Chief Justice added that Justice Charles will be assigned to the criminal side of the Supreme Court to enable the court to adjudicate on at least five criminal trials in New Providence at the same time.