The President of the Republic, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan witnessed the swearing-in of Justice Brigitte Alexandra Madeleine as Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Seychelles, during a swearing-in ceremony yesterday morning at State House. President Ramkalawan has appointed Justice Madeleine upon recommendations made by the Constitutional Appointments Authority pursuant to Article 127 of the Constitution of the Republic of Seychelles.

During the ceremony, Justice Madeleine took two oaths; the Oath of Allegiance to the Constitution and the Judicial Oath before the President and various distinguished guests and family members.

Prior to her appointment, Ms. Madeleine was an Attorney-at-Law and Notary Public since July 2016. She has 14 years of experience in the practice of law including 6 years in private practice. Throughout her career, she has gained judicial bench attributes while serving on the Rent Board, Employment, and Family Tribunals. Ms. Madeleine is also a part-time Lecturer- Criminal Law and Procedure at the University of Seychelles since 2016.

Justice Madeleine studied A’ Levels as well as O’ Level with the National Youth Service and Seychelles Polytechnic between 1999 to 2000. She holds a Degree of Master of Laws (Petroleum and Policy) with Distinction from the University of Dundee, Scotland. She also holds a Post Graduate Certificate of Proficiency in Legal Drafting from the Ghana School of Law and received a Bachelor of Laws with Honours LLB (HONS) from the University of Mauritius. Ms. Madeleine qualified as a Barrister-at-Law in Mauritius in 2008.

Ms. Madeleine started her legal career as a part-time Legal Researcher in December 2004. She later served as a Legal Officer for the Ministry of Land Use and Habitat/ Ministry of National Development in 2007. She then joined the Attorney General’s Chambers, Department of Legal Affairs in July 2009 as a State Counsel where she has gained promotions up to Assistant Principal State Counsel in June 2012. Ms. Madeleine has served on a number of Boards, which includes the Rent Board as a member, Vice-Chairperson of the Family Tribunal, Vice Chairperson of the Employment Tribunal, a member of the Industrial Relations Tribunal, secretary and member of the Estate Agents Board and member of the Marine Board.

Speaking to the local press after the ceremony, Justice Madeleine said that she is honoured and humbled to have been appointed as Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Seychelles, where she will join other members of the Judiciary in their tasks in prevailing justice. She noted that today marks a big achievement in her career path and that she is looking forward to start this new journey.

Also present for the ceremony at State House, to witness the swearing-in yesterday morning were the First Lady, Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan, the Vice-President, Mr. Ahmed Afif, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Roger Mancienne, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Rony Govinden, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Anthony Fernando, the Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, Hon. Bernard George, Senior members of the Judiciary of the Supreme Court of Seychelles, the Secretary of State for Cabinet Affairs, Mr. Mohammed Afif, Members of the Constitutional Appointments Authority, and relatives of Justice Madeleine.