Bermuda’s legal community yesterday offered the Chief Justice well wishes and gave him high praise during a farewell ceremony for his retirement.

Lawyers and judges assembled at the Supreme Court for a special sitting honouring Chief Justice Narinder Hargun for his 5½ years of service.

The Chief Justice said that he was “extremely grateful” to have taken up the post, which he said was both “intellectually challenging” and “deeply satisfying”.

He added: “I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been given the opportunity to be the Chief Justice.”

At the ceremony, members of the judiciary and private firms were in attendance, as well as Karen Grisette, the US Consul-General, and Rena Lalgie, the Governor.

Mr Justice Hargun, who worked for firms such as Conyers and Carey Olsen before his 2018 appointment, said that his proudest moment as Chief Justice was his management of the courts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He noted that, while the feat was challenging, it proved the adaptability of the courts.

Mr Justice Hargun added that the backlog caused by the Covid-19 pandemic had been cleared out, with a remaining 16 cases having been given trial dates.

The Chief Justice said that he was also impressed by the amount of talent to come from such a small island.

He explained: “Bermuda is, of course, a small jurisdiction of 60,000 people, but has produced and continues to produce world-class heavyweight commercial litigation.”

Despite his praises, Mr Justice Hargun said that Bermuda’s judiciary was still “a work in progress”.

He highlighted the “competitive need” for a third judge in the Civil and Commercial Courts.

Other lawyers sang the Chief Justice’s praises, and offered interesting anecdotes as they wished him a good retirement.

Melvin Douglas, the Solicitor-General who attended on behalf of the Attorney General, Kathy-Lynn Simmons, also commended Mr Justice Hargun for his handling of the courts during the pandemic.

He added: “We extend on behalf of the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, all staff under her, and the entire government our deepest appreciation of Your Lordship’s years of dedicated service as the Chief Justice of Bermuda.

“May you enjoy a fulfilling retirement knowing that your legacy will endure.”

Alan Richards, speaking on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cindy Clarke, told the court that he had interacted with the Chief Justice only three times.

But he noted that, each time, “you were calm, courteous, patient yet rigorous, thoroughly well-prepared, and acute”.

Mr Richards added: “It was a momentary glimpse of your judicial career that, having seen it, it comes as no surprise to me to hear the many tributes and admiring remarks that have and will be made about you.

“I hope that you will thoroughly enjoy whatever comes next.”

Scott Pearman, the Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs, remembered the “immense privilege” of training under the Chief justice when they were both at Conyers.

He said: “It was a pleasure, and I’m very very grateful for the opportunities you afforded me and the lessons I learnt under your tutelage.”

Jerome Wilson, the president of the Bermuda Bar Association, said: “It’s starting to feel like I’ve known you longer than my favourite pair of socks, and that’s saying something.”

Lord Justice of Appeal Geoffrey Bell wished Mr Justice Hargun a “long and happy retirement”, adding: “my hope’s that we will see you donning the wig and gown soon”.