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Justice Ronny James Govinden was sworn in as Justice of the Court of Appeal of the Republic of Seychelles this morning during a ceremony held at State House.

The appointment was made by the President of the Republic, Dr Patrick Herminie, pursuant to Article 123 of the Constitution of the Republic of Seychelles, following a proposal by the Constitutional Appointments Authority under Article 122.

During the ceremony, Justice Govinden took two oaths: the Oath of Allegiance to the Constitution and the Judicial Oath, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Dr Patrick Herminie; Vice President, Mr Sebastien Pillay; Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Azarel Ernesta; Leaders of the National Assembly; and Attorney General, Mr Divino Sabino.

Justice Ronny Govinden assumed office as Chief Justice on 9 November 2020 and led the Supreme Court for almost six years, before resigning from the position on Friday, 6 November 2026.

In a statement issued following the ceremony, Justice Govinden reflected on his tenure as Chief Justice, reaffirming the Judiciary's constitutional responsibility to uphold the rule of law, safeguard judicial independence and ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice.

He further confirmed his commitment to concluding part-heard cases, in accordance with his judicial obligations, while continuing to contribute his experience and expertise to the administration of justice in his new capacity as Justice of the Court of Appeal.

Justice Govinden graduated from the University of Mauritius, where he was awarded an LLB (Hons) degree in 1996. He subsequently completed the Barristers Final Examination Certificate course conducted by the Mauritius Council of Legal Education in 1998. He was called to the Bar of Seychelles as an Attorney-at-Law in 2000.

Also present at the ceremony were Justices of the Court of Appeal, Registrar of the Supreme Court of Seychelles, Ms Juliana Esticot, and Secretary of State for Cabinet Affairs and Head of the Civil Service, Ms Margaret Moumou.