Patrick Brooks appointed ECJ commissioner
Published:Monday | February 3, 2025 | 4:41 PM
Retired Justice Patrick Brooks has been appointed as a selected commissioner of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ).
He fills the vacant position left by Justice Karl Harrison, who retired on December 31, 2024, having served as a selected commissioner of the ECJ for 10 years, beginning from March 1, 2014.
Brooks was appointed by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen to serve as commissioner for the period February 27, 2025 to February 28, 2028.
The former senior judicial officer served as president of the Court of Appeal and is widely regarded for his extensive legal expertise, judicial experience, and significant contributions to the Jamaican legal system.
The ECJ comprises nine members: four selected (independent) commissioners, four nominated commissioners (two representing the prime minister and two representing the leader of the opposition), and the director of elections.
In a news release on Monday, the electoral oversight body said that, with the appointment of Brooks, the ECJ remains committed to maintaining integrity and transparency in Jamaica’s electoral process.
Brooks’ appointment comes at a time when the country is gearing up for general election constitutionally due by September this year.
Already, the Electoral Office of Jamaica has started its recruitment drive for election day workers in preparation for the national polls.
At least one of the two major political parties, the People’s National Party, has announced that it has identified its 63 candidates to run in the upcoming election.
The governing Jamaica Labour Party has not yet completed its selection process.