New magistrates sworn in

Three new magistrates, including two women, were sworn in at the Palace, in Valletta, yesterday.

The new magistrates are Doreen Clarke, Edwina Grima and Anthony Ellul. All three are under 40 and were chairmen of the Small Claims Tribunal.

Dr Clarke also served as the legal advisor to the Equal Opportunities Unit of the National Commission Persons with Disability. She was chairman of the Planning Appeals' Board and president of the Occupational Health and Safety Appeals' Board.

Dr Grima was assistant secretary of the Chamber of Advocates and Dr Ellul specialised in civil law.

Curriculum vitae of the new magistrates were requested from the Department of Information, the Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs and the Office of the President but these were not immediately available.

After taking their oaths of office and allegiance the three magistrates said they were honoured at the confidence expressed in them and promised to carry out their duties to the best of their abilities.

Dr Ellul thanked his parents saying he had only been able to arrive at this point in his career thanks to their dedication.

President Eddie Fenech Adami said the judiciary was one of the pillars of a democratic republic. The fact that the new magistrates were young was positive and meant that the younger generation included persons possessing credibility and wisdom who deserved to occupy such senior positions.