PM Holness, judiciary pay tribute to former Court of Appeal president Justice Ian Forte

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has expressed deep sadness at the passing of retired Justice Ian Xavier Forte, OJ, CD, a former president of the Court of Appeal and long-serving member of Jamaica’s judiciary.

Justice Forte, the husband of Member of Parliament Marlene Malahoo Forte, died at his home early Friday at the age of 89. Holness described him as a dedicated public servant who gave many years of service to Jamaica’s justice system.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Justice Ian Forte,” Holness said. “Justice Forte gave many years of service to Jamaica… He served our country with dedication and played an important role in the administration of justice.”

He added that Jamaica mourns “a distinguished public servant” whose life was devoted to service, and extended condolences to his family, including MP Marlene Malahoo Forte, his children, relatives, friends and members of the legal fraternity.

Justice Forte had a judicial career spanning decades at the highest levels of the legal system. He was elevated to the Court of Appeal in January 1988 and later rose to serve as president of the court, a position he held until his retirement in 2005. During his tenure, he was awarded the Order of Jamaica in recognition of his service to the nation.

Beyond Jamaica, he also sat as a judge of appeal in the Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands. He additionally served as a Justice of the Peace for Kingston.

The Judiciary of Jamaica also paid tribute to the late jurist, who was widely regarded as one of the country’s most respected judicial figures. Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, OJ, CD, and President of the Court of Appeal Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, OJ, CD, both highlighted his contribution to the development of law in Jamaica and across the region.

Sykes described Justice Forte as “a jurist of exceptional ability,” noting that his influence extended beyond Jamaica to jurisdictions including Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.

“Justice Forte served his country with distinction and honour,” Sykes said. “Throughout his judicial career, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fairness, independence, integrity, and excellence.”

He also reflected on Forte’s personal impact on his own career, recalling an early conversation in which Forte encouraged him to consider judicial service. As an advocate, Sykes said Forte was consistently prepared, courteous, and open to persuasion in court.

“He was soft-spoken, unfailingly polite and always treated others with dignity and respect,” he said, adding that beneath that demeanor was “a formidable legal intellect” and deep commitment to justice.

Justice McDonald-Bishop praised Forte’s leadership of the Court of Appeal, describing it as steady and principled, and said his judgments reflected careful scholarship and fairness.

“As one who now occupies the office he once held with such distinction, I am especially grateful for his mentorship,” she said, noting his encouragement and leadership example.

Forte was also remembered as a devout Roman Catholic. He was married to Marlene Malahoo Forte and was the father of three children from his first marriage to his late wife, Margaret.

The Judiciary extended condolences to his family, former colleagues, and all who were impacted by his work, saying his legacy will endure in Jamaica’s legal institutions and jurisprudence. Details surrounding his death have not yet been disclosed.