High Court justices in Barbados shed horsehair wigs

Mr Justice Sherman Moore (left) and 
Mr Justice Frederick Waterman in the 
new black robes with blue and gold stripes. 
(Photo: Daily Nation)

Wednesday, October 8, 2003

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: High Court justices in Barbados have discarded the centuries-old British tradition of wearing horsehair wigs and heavy red and black robes, AP reported recently.

Instead, the nine justices are donning new black gowns trimmed with vertical gold and blue stripes of the national colors. Chief Justice David Simmons announced the changes on Monday, 6th October.

"Tradition alone is not sufficient justification for the retention of attire which had its origin in imperialistic times," AP quoted Justice Simmons as saying. "As an independent nation, it is important that even the symbols of our institutions reflect a sense of our self-esteem and self-definition."

He further described the old gowns and wigs as "uncomfortable, cumbersome and unsuited to Barbados' climatic conditions." Some lawyers continue to wear wigs while presenting cases.

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