Justice minister appoints new chief judge, two provincial court judges

Kelvin Parsons, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, today announced the appointment of a new chief judge and two new provincial court judges .

The Honourable Reg Reid has been appointed chief judge of the provincial court for a period of 10 years, to commence May 12, 2001. Judge Reid has served on the provincial court for 25 years and is currently the senior judge in charge of the St. John�s Judicial Centre.

Judge Reid will be replacing current Chief Judge, the Honourable Donald Luther, who was appointed on October 16, 1991, and has indicated that he will resign as chief judge on May 12, 2001. Judge Luther will remain as a puisne judge of the provincial court in Corner Brook.

Two other vacancies will be created by the retirement of Honourable James Kean of the judicial centre of Harbour Grace on April 30, 2001 and the recent appointment of the Honourable Garrett Handrigan of the judicial centre of Grand Bank to the Supreme Court.

Two new judges have been appointed to the provincial court.

Patrick Kennedy, will be appointed to the judicial centre of Grand Bank effective immediately. Mr. Kennedy has practised law for 27 years in St. John�s.

Colin Flynn will be appointed to the judicial centre of Harbour Grace effective April 30, 2001. Mr. Flynn has practised in the Department of Justice for 18 years, largely in the criminal division where he also served as the director of public prosecutions.

"These individuals were chosen from a recommended list of candidates interviewed by the Judicial Council," said Minister Parsons.

"I extend best wishes to Chief Judge, the Honourable Donald Luther and the Honourable James Kean on their retirement. I also extend congratulations to the newly appointed Honourables Reg Reid, Colin Flynn and Patrick Kennedy," said Justice Minister Kelvin Parsons.

These individuals make up a full complement of 24 provincial court judges distributed around the province in various judicial centres.

Media contact: Edwina Bateman, Communications (709) 729-6985.

2001 04 12                            4:30 p.m.