Reprinted from Jamaica Observer
Former Chief Justice of Jamaica Edward Zacca has been knighted by The Queen in her 2015 Birthday Honours list.
"It was quite a surprise," Zacca said when the Jamaica Observer contacted him on his way to a reception marking The Queen's birthday at Trafalgar House, the residence of the British high commissioner in New Kingston late yesterday evening.
Zacca said he was informed of the honour by the high commission yesterday afternoon after it was released by the British Government.
He will receive the Order of St Michael and St George, which will entitle him to be addressed as Sir Edward. His wife, Hope, will assume the title Lady Zacca.
The official notice of his award states that Zacca is being knighted "for services to the Courts of Appeal in Bermuda, Turks & Caicos Islands and Cayman Islands".
It also states that he has "made an exceptional contribution in guiding the development of the law in Overseas Territories as the President of the Court of Appeal in three UK Overseas Territories. Bermuda and Cayman Islands have large financial service industries and their growth and reputation have depended heavily on their internationally respected courts and maintaining the confidence of the business and wider community in the legal institutions.
"Edward Zacca's membership of the Privy Council since 1996, as well as his judicial service in Jamaica for over 38 years, both reinforce and spread that positive influence more widely," the British Government release said.