Minister of Justice Kim Wilson paid tribute to Chief Justice Richard Ground as he retired on Friday after eight years in the post.Sen Wilson said Mr Justice Ground provided “exemplary service and commitment to the judiciary”.“One of the things I most admire about Justice Ground is his fierce protection of the Constitutional independence of the judiciary which was tempered by his willingness to collaborate with Ministry headquarters on legislative initiatives to advance the administration of justice,” she said.She noted that such initiatives included amendments to the Jurors Act to widen the pool of available jurors and to the Proceeds of Crime legislation to make it easier to confiscate criminals’ ill-gotten gains.She added: “As recently as 2010, the Court Of Appeal Amendment Act 2010 was enacted in collaboration with the judiciary to place necessary limits on the timeless rule against double jeopardy in circumstances where new and compelling evidence comes to light after acquittal, discharge or lesser offence conviction, for certain murder-related offences.”She went on to praise Mr Justice Ground for his role in clearing the backlog of pending cases at Supreme Court. There were 79 trials waiting to be heard when he took on the top job and just 17 by the time he left.“This is a challenge faced in many jurisdictions with ours being no exception except that we have had the honour of committed judicial leadership that has enabled us to succeed where others have failed,” said Sen Wilson.“Justice Ground’s clear grasp of legal principles reflects his admirable intellect and has enabled him to effect a successful transition into the very complex realm of the commercial court. Like my colleagues at the Bar, I will remember him for his fair but firm conduct of judicial matters and his dedication to ensuring that the operations of the Supreme Court and the Magistrates’ Court reflect best practice and a level of efficiency of which the people of Bermuda can be proud.“On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I would like to wish Justice Ground all the best as he enters the next phase of his life and all of its intended pleasures. Thank you for a job well done and you will be deeply missed.”The Chief Justice was also treated to a retirement party housed by the Bermuda Bar Council. Members of the judiciary and court staff were also present at the party at the Beau Rivage restaurant at the Belmont Hills resort.Mr Justice Ground was presented with three cartoons created by Peter Woolcock, the political cartoonist for this newspaper. Two were the originals of cartoons featuring him and the other was specially commissioned as a gift from the members of the Bar.The new Chief Justice is former Puisne Judge Ian Kawaley.