Foldats takes up permanent seat on judicial bench

| 26/07/2011

(CNS): Valdis Foldats, who has been serving as a temporary magistrate in the Summary Court since the beginning of the year, has been made a permanent part of the judiciary. Although formerly appointed by the governor, Foldats was selected by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission. It is that body’s second appointment to Cayman’s courts and its first magistrate. Throughout April and May, the Judicial and Legal Services Commission carried out an open recruitment process, advertising the post locally and overseas. Following a short-listing process, an interview panel interviewed four people for the job and Foldats was selected.

Foldats will take up his permanent post on 1 October, a vacancy created by the retirement of former Magistrate Grace Donalds.

Having worked as the Clerk of Court for nine years, during which time he also gained experience as an Acting Magistrate, Foldats is no stranger to the post. Before he became Clerk he had joined the Judicial Administration as the Registrar of Appeal/Senior Deputy Clerk.

He was called to the Bar in Canada in 1984 and prior to moving to the Cayman Islands he spent fifteen years practicing law in the areas of criminal, coroner and disciplinary proceedings. 

The Judicial and Legal Services Commission was established in the new constitution introduced in November 2009 and made its first appointment in June, when it advised the governor to appoint Justice Richard Williams, who starts in September as a Grand Court Judge.

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Valdis Foldats is the perfect man for this job. He got the position because he deserved it. I am proud to say that i have had the pleasure of meeting him, and he is a very hard working man. They could not have chosen anyone of higher standard. Congratulations. 

  2. anonymous says:

    When are they going to appoint some Caymanian magistrates. Surely there are J.P.s that have sat on cases that are more than qualified to be appointed as Magistrates.

    It seems that the Judiciary is determined to keep Caymanians down. To date as far as I know the only Caymanians appointed as magistrates or judges have been foreigners who have been granted Cayman Status. With the hatred and disention existing between locals and x-pats; to continue hiring foreign magistrates and judges may explay why all our young people are in jail instead of school. How about sentencing some of these young people into the custody of local pastors for rehabilitation instead of jail. They ned to be given a chance away from bad parenting.  Some of them made bad choices, others were just disopedient and rebellious.

    We need to appoint people who understand and live our culture. those who grew up with us.I have nothing against the new apointee, but its time to consider our own people for these positions.

    This country is no longer ours if this is the way the judiciary will continue to be staffed.

    • Anonymous says:

      None of the Caymanian litigators seen in the Summary Courts on a day to day basis are up to the job. Simple as that. The JPs who sit in the Youth Court are not legally qualified and, to be charitable, are not intellectually up to the task.

      The notion that the predominance of expat judges somehow explains the crime rates amongst Caymanian youth is the product of a mind that does not now what goes on in the courts. The JPs that you seem to admire preside over the majority of Youth Court sittings, are all Caymanian, and have over the years have probably contributed to the problem.

    • anonymous says:

      I agree,

      Why are people we know to be qualified Caymanians not given these positions?

    • Anonymous says:

      Wow.  The level of outright ignorance displayed in your comment is mind boggling.  No wonder the crime's committed by Caymanian youth in Cayman has risen so much.  You really think sentencing these young people to Pastors for rehab instead of jail would be good?  Really?  Have you thought about the logistics?  Perhaps if only the criminal who shot Kemar prayed a bit  harder maybe he wouldn't be robbing and shooting people. 

       

      Never underestimate the power of stupidity.

       

       

       

  3. slowpoke says:

    Cayman 1:  Yellowknife 0.

    Congrats!

  4. Anonymous says:

    Valdis Foldats is the perfect person for this role and a great addition to the judicial bench. Congratulations to Mr Foldats on a very well deserved position !

  5. Annoymous says:

    I must agree he is a fair person.  He is not rude and prejudicial XXXX.  

    Cayman needs a Judge with understanding of the law and how to treat people when they come before him.  Can we the citizens nominate him for a higher post??  Can we ask the Gov. to find us some more magistrates and judges like him.  XXX

  6. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations!!  I've had to deal with this man personally on one occassion (non-court matter) and I've also observed him in court.  A real gentleman, very professional and fair judge when setting on the bench.

    Hopefully, he can be there for a very long time!!

  7. Durrrr says:

    One of the good guys. Congratulations on your appointment.

  8. Anonymous says:

    A well-deserved appointment. Mr. Foldats is a very thorough and fair judge. He displays no prejudices or biases, he does not belittle defendants – or police and prosecutors when their cases are shoddy, but is instead balanced and fair in his comments and rulings. He points out what could have been done better, and makes his decision on what is in front of him. One of the best we have and I am very gladthat he will remain in Cayman.

  9. Darren says:

    I look forward to the appointment of the level headed, dedicated and humble magistrate. Congratulations on this well deserved recognition of your long service, commitment and professionalism. We could use more like you on the bench. Best wishes & may God grant you the wisdom to execute your post effectively.

  10. Subway Cookie says:

    Congratulations Mr. Foldats, very well deserved.  Your talents are better served in the judiciary and I am so please you will remain in the jurisdiction.  All the best!

  11. Anonymous says:

    Congrats Mr. Foldats you are a very fair person . But most of all you have a personality thats very out standing keep up the good job.

  12. The lone Haranguer says:

    Good man for the job. Give em hell Valdis.

  13. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations, Valdis – well done!

     

  14. Anon says:

    Hurray!! The voice of reason on the bench.  Lets hope he doesn't get judgitis or get bored of the post.  Congratulations to Valdis.

  15. Anonymous says:

    Congradulations Mr.  Foldats  I had the opportunity of listening to you on the bench recently, and I must say you are one fine, fair and a very good Judge, well versed in the law..

    You deserve that position.  I am Caymanian.

    • Pedigree Chum says:

      quote, "I am Caymanian". So the f what? That is the kind of mind bending arrogance that has landed your little sandbar in the mess it is in today. Oh, and he's a magistrate, not a judge. I am NOT Caymanian. (and neither is he).

      • Anonymous says:

        Than kind of mind bending arrogance? Horse, kettle, black? …and I am a Caymanian too.

      • Anonymous says:

        Actually your post betrays more than a little arrogance and lack of understanding.

        In the context of strained expat/Caymanian relations, it is good to know that it is not only expats who think well of expats and, hopefully not only Caymanians who think well of Caymanians.  

      • Anonymous says:

        Why does it irritate you "Pedigree" if someone wants to say "I am Caymanian"?