Justice James Burchett (81), Tonga's longest serving judge of its Court of Appeal, for 20 years, retired from the service on Friday, April 27, with a farewell ceremony hosted by the Tongan Judiciary at the Supreme Court, Nuku'alofa.

Chief Justice Hon. Michael Dishington Scott said that Justice Burchett became one of the judges of Tonga's Court of Appeal in 1994. During his term as a judge of Tonga's Court of Appeal he had dealt with a wide range of cases from civil cases to land cases, and therefore had made an enormous contribution to the development of the Tongan legal system, "and for that I personally would like to thank you", he said.

Chief Justice Scott said that though Justice Burchett was retiring, he was still a member of the Tongan judiciary "and we will consult you  when we are in need."

Strengthen

Justice Burchett said that he and his wife Margaret had enjoyed coming to Tonga during the past 20 years, and played a part in the development of Tonga's legal system.

He said that when Tonga established its Court of Appeal, it took a giant step toward strengthening its judiciary, and it also offered a great privilege for the appeal judges to pursue their own objectives.

"As the longest serving member, I have had the opportunity to observe the development of the younger generation of Tongan lawyers and the strength of the bar has increased over the past 20 years and I congratulate them and the Law Society," he said. " I feel at the moment that I am a relay runner and will pass on the torch confidently to another that will carry it forward triumphantly."

Tributes

Hon. Justice Peter Salmon and Hon. Justice Michael Moore also gave heartfelt speeches to their colleague. They thanked him for his assistance and praised him on his well versed knowledge of the Tongan law.

The farewell was attended by the Attorney General Neil Adsett, the President of the Tonga Law Society Laki Niu, the Minister of Justice Hon. Clive Edwards, Hon. Justice Robert Shuster, Solicitor General 'Aminiasi Kefu, as well as magistrates, counsel, the Chief Registrar Manako Vi and members of the Supreme Court office.