The appointment of Ivor Archie as the new Chief Justice is a harbinger of hope for our nation.

At 47 he brings to the post youthful energy, a background of distinguished if not lengthy service and impressive credentials that, in themselves, are valuable assets for the role he has to perform at this stage of our nation's history.

His inaugural address at the January 29 formal sitting of the Supreme Court helped to distinguish him further.

As expected, the Chief Justice attempted to share his vision and what he saw as crucial to the proper administration of justice in the nation. But, there was more here than mere "uplift".

Chief Justice Archie's appointment comes after two troubling years for the judiciary when the public's confidence in the institution was decidedly shaken.

The importance of restoring that confidence – a task that admittedly will take time – cannot be underestimated. This work, though, needs to begin now.

The preservation of human dignity and respect requires that justice is served faithfully in our courts of law. And, the public needs to perceive that this is so.

But justice is also necessary for the sake of peace. The Church has always taught that peace is "the fruit of justice". Says Isaiah, "… integrity will bring peace, justice give lasting security" (32:17).

Perceived failures in the judicial system can have a negative impact on society. The question can well be asked: To what extent have the delays in the administration of justice influenced the rise in crime in the nation?

Personal and partisan interests

Peace is also the fruit of solidarity and Chief Justice Archie, in various ways, underscored the need to work together. He called for a "reconciling of our personal and partisan interests with the common good".

While acknowledging that the judiciary is a key component in the administration of justice, he said plainly that various institutions and all citizens HAD a part to play in bringing about justice.

He noted: "We must, in the final analysis, depend for our effective and efficient functioning on the input and cooperation of a number of State agencies, the legal profession and civil society."

This is an important perspective. He spoke to his fellow jurists and to every citizen when he said: "There is no 'them' out there who must make things better …The transformation of any society can only take place one individual at a time." effecting rapid change will be a challenging prospect for those in the judicial system, as it is for families and members of every other institution in our society.

It was to be expected that the Chief Justice would pledge to ensure "integrity, efficiency and transparency" but he spoke with a humility that made him credible. In this time of increasing secularism, we are also pleased to see Chief Justice Archie placing such emphasis on spiritual values.

"It is to our Creator that we must now turn for guidance," he said at the conclusion of his address, "not as helpless supplicants, but as a people individually and collectively endowed and empowered by Him with the talent, the creativity and the resources to transform and replenish our nation."

When the new Chief Justice took the oath of office on January 24, it was a significant moment for him and for our country. Challenging as the present is, there is much that should motivate him, even as Peter at the moment of the Lord's transfiguration is motivated (Matthew 17:4). The real task awaits him on the road ahead. We must support him with our prayers.