Rowland Ricketts Phillips

Sir Rowland Ricketts Phillips, a barrister-at-law, was Jamaica’s first native-born chief justice. He was appointed after Sir Colin McGregor resigned in 1962. He served as chief justice from 1963 to 1967. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II on October 15, 1964. Though he could have retired at age 65, Sir Rowland chose to retire at age 63 in 1967 after 46 years of service. He also acted as governor general in that year.

Rowland Ricketts Phillips was born in Montego Bay, St James, on September 30, 1904. His parents were George Augustus Philips and his wife, Albertha Jane Smith.

Following his primary education, he attended Cornwall College. He entered the civil service in 1921. He was deputy and clerk of the courts from 1930-43. Taking leave, he went to England to study law and was called to the bar at the Inner Temple on May 7, 1941. He was admitted to practice in Jamaica on September 15, 1943. Thereafter, he was appointed acting crown prosecutor in the Judicial Service. In 1944, he was appointed Crown Counsel for Jamaica.

In 1947, he married Enid Daphne Limonius, with whom he would have four children – daughters, the late Ambassador Elinor Felix, and Justice Hilary Ann Phillips, and sons, Rowland (Rennie) and Geoffrey. Lady Daphne Philips, who was known for her work with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Jamaica Cancer Society, died in 2002.

Sir Rowland was resident magistrate in Kingston, St Thomas, and Portland from 1946 to 1954. He was then puisne judge in British Guiana (now Guyana) and in Jamaica up to 1962. He was also acting president of the Court of Appeal in that year.

Sir Rowland Phillips was appointed chief justice on January 1, 1963.

He remained active in retirement. He died on October 11, 1976, and his funeral service was held at the St Andrew Parish Church on October 26.

A tribute described him as an accomplished Jamaican who rose to great heights in his career but never lost the common touch. He was said to be a staunch advocate for justice for all.

Contributed by Marcia Thomas