Senior Parish Court judge dies suddenly

Chief Justice Bryan Sykes says the sudden passing of Senior Parish Court Judge Sasha-Marie Ashley has "deeply shaken the Judiciary of Jamaica".

In a sombre tribute, Justice Sykes described Ashley as an "outstanding judicial officer" whose work was defined by compassion, integrity and an unwavering commitment to justice. Serving across Hanover, St James, Clarendon and Westmoreland, Ashley built a reputation for striking what Sykes called an "admirable balance of firmness, fairness, and humanity", earning the respect of litigants, attorneys, court staff and fellow judges.

But beyond the bench, she was remembered as something more personal -- a "warm and vibrant presence" whose collegial spirit and genuine care for others left a lasting imprint on every courtroom she entered.

Her passing, the chief justice said, is particularly painful because her journey was far from complete. Her life and career were "still unfolding", shaped by promise, purpose and service to the Jamaican people.

"Many among us worked closely with her, learned from her, and were inspired by her dedication to the administration of justice," he reflected.