Ex-state counsel sworn in as magistrate |16 January 2010

Mr Labonte took his official oath and that of allegiance in a short ceremony attended by his wife and youngest daughter.
He is now the fourth Seychellois magistrate working at the courts, and will occupy Court D at the Supreme Court.

The 53-year old former police officer read law over a period of three years by correspondence with the University of London before becoming a state counsel in February 2008.

Welcoming him to the Seychelles judiciary family, Mr Egonda-Ntende said the timing of his arrival is very opportune as he will be at the heart of the process of reforming the judiciary.

He had these words of advice for Mr Labonte: “This is a lonely job – you have to make your decisions alone. You will make many vital decisions affecting the liberty of the citizens of this country and the security of the people of this nation, and in so doing you must be independent and you must be impartial.”

Mr Egonda-Ntende said the judiciary is in the process of formulating a code for the public and judicial officers, which will be used as a reference for members of the judiciary.

Mr Labonte said it was his wish to become a magistrate and now he is motivated to climb up the ladder in the profession.
He was also presented by Mr Egonda-Ntende with a training manual that incorporates the basic practices and principles of Commonwealth magistrates.