“Ian was easy to love.”

Those were the words of former Cabinet minister, Marlene Malahoo Forte, as she paid tribute to her husband, distinguished jurist and retired Court of Appeal President, King’s Counsel Ian Forte.

She was speaking during a three-hour special sitting of the Court of Appeal on Friday, held in honour of her husband’s life and legacy.

Robian Williams reports.

KC Ian Forte died on June 5 at the age of 89.

In her first public remarks since his passing, Marlene Malahoo Forte openly expressed her love and appreciation for her late husband.

Justice Forte had an illustrious legal career spanning more than five decades across the Caribbean.

He served in some of the region’s highest judicial offices, including as a Judge of Appeal in both the Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In Jamaica, he served on the Court of Appeal bench from 1988 to 1999, after previously holding the post of Director of Public Prosecutions from 1977 to 1988.

Malahoo Forte says it is a privilege to have witnessed his journey and accomplishments.

She notes that her husband supported her throughout her legal career and stood firmly by her when she transitioned into politics.

Malahoo Forte also expressed gratitude to members of the judiciary and the wider legal fraternity for their tributes and encouraged them to continue upholding the highest standards of integrity, impartiality and sound judgement.

Meanwhile, President of the Court of Appeal, Marva McDonald-Bishop, says the legacy of Justcie Forte will endure.

She was speaking during a three-hour special sitting of the Court of Appeal on Friday, held in honour of the late jurist.

Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, President of the Court of Appeal.

Chief Justice, Bryan Skyes, also paid tribute to Justice Forte.

Chief Justice Bryan Skyes.

More than twenty other speakers followed, hailing Justice Forte as a legal luminary and reflecting on his contribution to the development of law in Jamaica and across the region.