Edward Zacca facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Zacca
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Acting Governor-General of Jamaica | |
| In office 31 March 1991 – 1 August 1991 |
|
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Michael Manley |
| Preceded by | Florizel Glasspole |
| Succeeded by | Howard Cooke |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 26 July 1931 |
| Died | 11 November 2019 (aged 88) |
| Alma mater | Kingston College |
| Occupation |
|
Sir Edward Zacca (born July 26, 1931 – died November 11, 2019) was a very important judge in Jamaica. He served as the top judge, called the Chief Justice, for the Supreme Court of Jamaica from 1985 to 1996.
Sometimes, when the main leader of Jamaica, the Governor-General, is not available, the Chief Justice steps in. Sir Edward Zacca did this from March to August 1991. He was also a member of the Privy Council in the United Kingdom, which is a group of important advisors to the Queen.
Contents
Who was Edward Zacca?
Edward Zacca was born on July 26, 1931. His parents were Wadie and Angel Zacca. He married Hope Margaret Haddad on October 19, 1958. They had three children: Christopher, Karen, and Edward Jr.
He went to Kingston College for his schooling. Later, he studied law in London, England. He became a lawyer on February 9, 1954.
What did Edward Zacca do in his career?
Edward Zacca started his legal career in Jamaica in 1954. He worked his way up through the court system. First, he was a Clerk of Courts. Then, he became a Resident Magistrate in different parts of Jamaica. This meant he was a judge for local cases.
Later, he became a High Court Judge. He then moved up to be a Justice of Appeal. This means he heard cases that were being reviewed from lower courts. Eventually, he became the President of the Court of Appeal in Jamaica.
Becoming Chief Justice
On January 2, 1985, Edward Zacca became the Chief Justice of Jamaica. This is the highest judicial position in the country. He was sworn in by Florizel Glasspole, who was the Governor-General at the time.
As Chief Justice, he also served as the acting Governor-General of Jamaica for a few months in 1991. This happened when the main Governor-General was not in office.
Working with the Privy Council
In 1992, Sir Edward Zacca became a member of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom. This was a big honor. He was the first Chief Justice from Jamaica to join this important group.
Being part of the Privy Council meant he could help hear appeals from other countries in the Commonwealth. However, he could not hear appeals from Jamaica itself. He retired as Chief Justice of Jamaica on July 25, 1996. He had served in the judicial system for 38 years.
Work in other countries
After retiring from Jamaica, Sir Edward Zacca continued to work as a judge in other Caribbean countries. He was the president of the Court of Appeal for the Turks & Caicos Islands. He also held the same position for the Cayman Islands. From March 2000 to July 2001, he was the president of the Court of Appeal of the Bahamas.
What honors did Edward Zacca receive?
Sir Edward Zacca received several important honors for his service:
- He was a member of the Order of Jamaica. This is a high national honor in Jamaica.
- He was a member of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom. This gave him the special title "The Right Honourable."
- In 2015, he was knighted by the Queen. This made him a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. After this, he was known as "Sir Edward Zacca."
