Justice Robert Shuster; the Minister of Justice, Hon. Clive Edwards and Mrs Shuster

Justice Robert Shuster has his final day on the bench today, May 7 after being a judge of the Supreme Court of Tonga during the past four years, and have presided over  800 cases.

In a farewell ceremony on Friday afternoon, May 4, Justice Shuster, an Englishman said he had a wonderful time in Tonga.

" I hope the offenders I sentenced to community service and to pick up rubbish on the waterfront will think of me. I am relatively tough and firm, but I am fair ", he said.

Turn-over

Chief Justice Hon Michael Dishington Scott commended the departing judge on his outstanding contribution to the Tonga's judiciary system.

He said that when Justice Shuster joined the judiciary in May 2008, he quickly established himself as a leading member of the Supreme Court, especially in criminal matters.

CJ Scott said that during the past 12 months in which he and Justice Shuster were the only two judges, statistics showed an increase in the number of work dispersed which was over 60%, in comparison to the previous year.

" He has made an outstanding contribution to Tonga, and I wish him all the best in the future."

Justice Shuster has been replaced by Justice Charles Cato.