Nicole Stoneham has become the island’s latest justice of the Supreme Court, after a brief ceremony held in Government House.

“This is a special occasion, for the about-to-be Justice Stoneham, but also for Bermuda,” the Governor, George Fergusson, told the gathering. “We don’t have so many judges, and the arrival on the scene of a new judge is a big landmark.”

Yesterday’s swearing-in, with Mrs Justice Stoneham reciting the traditional oath before family, friends and colleagues, was the first new addition since the appointment of Puisne Judge Stephen Hellman in 2012. Mrs Justice Stoneham, who has served in Magistrates’ Court since 2010, then joined the Supreme Court to applause, with Chief Justice Ian Kawaley rising to congratulate her, and mother Carol Stoneham looking on.

Puisne judges are appointed at the recommendation of the island’s judicial and legal community, Mr Fergusson noted, also congratulating the recently retired Norma Wade-Miller for her years of service to the courts.