KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Judiciary of Jamaica is mourning the loss of former president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ian Forte, OJ, CD, who died at his home early Friday.

Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, OJ, CD, and President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, OJ, CD, have both paid tribute to the distinguished jurist, describing him as one of Jamaica’s most respected judicial leaders.

In a statement on Friday, Chief Justice Sykes hailed Justice Forte as a jurist of exceptional ability whose contribution to the development of the law and the administration of justice in Jamaica and the region, including Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.