Bryan Sykes
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes oversees Jamaica’s judiciary and has been instrumental in implementing reforms to accelerate the clearance of court backlogs. Under his leadership, the Supreme Court has achieved notable clearance rates, demonstrating a commitment to improving efficiency and case management within the justice system.
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Recent news mentions
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes gave Silvera 20 years for manslaughter and 20 years and 10 months for using a firearm to commit an offence.
Former Jamaica MP gets 21 years for killing wife
Guyana· 2026-03-08
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes sentenced Jolyan Silvera to 20 years and 10 months in prison for manslaughter.
‘Justice was done’ | News
Jamaica· 2026-03-07
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes presided over the sentencing of Jolyan Silvera for manslaughter.
Sykes: Silvera made ‘strategic’ guilty plea | NewsJamaica· 2026-03-07Chief Justice Bryan Sykes gave Silvera 20 years for manslaughter and 20 years and 10 months for using a firearm to commit an offence.
Former PNP MP Jolyan Silvera get 20 years and 10 months in prison for killing his wife | NewsJamaica· 2026-03-07Chief Justice Bryan Sykes is to hand down the sentence.
Former PNP MP Jolyan Silvera to be sentenced today for wife’s killing | NewsJamaica· 2026-03-06Chief Justice Bryan Sykes is working to increase trial capacity in Westmoreland following damage from Hurricane Melissa.
Steps being taken to increase courtroom space in Westmoreland | NewsJamaica· 2026-03-04Chief Justice Bryan Sykes said that Judge Ashley's untimely death has deeply shaken the judiciary.
Judiciary 'shaken' following death of Parish Court Judge Sasha-Marie Ashley, says Chief Justice | NewsJamaica· 2026-03-02
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes made comments regarding the interpretation of the law by judges.
‘Nobody can dictate to judges’ – Jamaica Chief JusticeGuyana· 2026-02-27
Bryan Sykes is the Chief Justice who defended the independence of judges in interpreting the law.
‘Nobody can dictate to judges’ | NewsJamaica· 2026-02-27Chief Justice Bryan Sykes presided over the trial of Jolyan Silvera.
Full Text | DPP explains how provocation changed Silvera's murder case to manslaughter | NewsJamaica· 2026-02-06Chief Justice Bryan Sykes presided over the court proceedings involving Jolyan Silvera.
PRAYING FOR JUSTICE | Lead StoriesJamaica· 2026-02-06
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes handed down the decision regarding Silvera's plea.
Gun Court accepts Jolyan Silvera’s guilty plea, to be sentenced in March | NewsJamaica· 2026-02-05Chief Justice Bryan Sykes is expected to deliver a ruling on the guilty plea.
Sykes to rule on plea as Silvera blames provocation for wife’s death | Lead StoriesJamaica· 2026-02-04
The matter was set to begin trial before Chief Justice Bryan Sykes in the Gun Court in Kingston.
NEW TWIST | Lead StoriesJamaica· 2026-02-03The trial was set to start before Chief Justice Bryan Sykes in the Gun Court in Kingston.
Jolyan Silvera, the ex-PNP MP charged with wife's murder, pleads guilty to manslaughter | NewsJamaica· 2026-02-02Chief Justice Bryan Sykes is campaigning for Jamaica to primarily move to judges only on bench trials.
Editorial | New approach to jury law | CommentaryJamaica· 2026-01-29
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes reiterated his call for the elimination of jury trials to address the backlog in the criminal justice system.
Parliament weighs tripled juror stipend amid backlog crisis | Lead StoriesJamaica· 2026-01-14
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes was overseeing the trial of Jolyan Silvera.
Trial of former MP Jolyan Silvera in murder of wife pushed back | NewsJamaica· 2026-01-12Sykes was appointed chief justice in 2018.
Former UN judge says call for reform of chief justice's role principled, not reaction to appeal court ruling | NewsJamaica· 2026-01-11
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes was criticized for his conduct during the trial.
OVERREACH | Lead Stories | Jamaica GleanerJamaica· 2025-12-14
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes praised Ena Collymore-Woodstock's legacy and contributions to the judiciary.
Judiciary hails life and legacy of 'transformational' jurist Ena Collymore-Woodstock | NewsJamaica· 2025-12-05
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes declared that customs brokers and importers shall not be excluded from participating in inspections.
Court blocks JCA’s plan to exclude brokers, importers from goods inspections | Lead StoriesJamaica· 2025-10-24
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes presided over the ceremony where Powell and Rogers were installed as King's Counsel.
Attorneys-at-law Kevin Powell and Pierre Rogers appointed King's Counsel | NewsJamaica· 2025-10-22
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes has advocated for the use of artificial intelligence technologies for a more efficient delivery of justice in Jamaica.
Editorial | The AI protocols in courts | CommentaryJamaica· 2025-10-14
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes is referenced in the context of a ruling related to the trial.
First witness in Ruel Reid and co-accused fraud trial to take stand on Thursday | NewsJamaica· 2025-10-14
Then acting Justice Bryan Sykes was appointed chief justice shortly after the judges' historic statement.
Trevor Munroe | Restore and strengthen, not weaken accountability | CommentaryJamaica· 2025-10-12
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes announced new guidelines for the use of AI in Jamaican courts.
Rules outlined for AI use in Jamaica's courts | NewsJamaica· 2025-10-08Chief Justice Bryan Sykes issued Practice Direction No. 1 of 2025, a bold, forward-looking directive on the use of generative AI in court proceedings.
Basil Jarrett | AI in court? Jamaica’s legal system has entered the chat | CommentaryJamaica· 2025-10-03
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes extended heartfelt condolences on the passing of Ruth Lawrence, highlighting her dedication to justice.
Judicial anguish | Lead StoriesJamaica· 2025-10-02
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes expressed deep sorrow at the death of Parish Court Judge Ruth Lawrence.
Death of parish judge Ruth Lawrence a profound loss, says Chief Justice | NewsJamaica· 2025-10-01