This island’s first female Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and an acting Judge in the High Court, Donna Babb-Agard, was officially sworn in yesterday as a Justice of the High Court by President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, at State House.
Mrs. Babb-Agard was accompanied by her husband Sean Agard, mother Euleene Babb and close friend Clarine Cave, who witnessed the administering of the oaths.
The High Court Judge, whose wide and varied career in the judicial system spanned over 33 years, said she was “grateful for this opportunity in reaching the pinnacle of that career”.
Madam Justice Babb-Agard stated: “I am just really thankful to God today for the opportunity to serve my country. I am thankful to the Government of Barbados and the Judicial Appointment committee for reposing this confidence in me. I intend to continue to do my best in this job. I am no shirker…hard work won’t kill me, and so, I’m going to continue to serve as best I can to be fair and continue to work with integrity.
“The law is a ‘jealous mistress’ but I think sometimes you also have to balance that with making sure that you look after yourself mentally and physically. But I think that I’m up to the task. So, I really appreciate this opportunity and I’m grateful for it.”
The High Court Judge shared that her legal career began in private practice as a defence attorney in 1991, before transitioning to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in July 1992.
Justice Babb-Agard also served as Magistrate for a short period before assuming the role as this country’s first female Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions and then later, as the DPP. (PR/GIS)
Caption: President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, and new Justice of the High Court, Donna Babb-Agard, at State House
