The Jamaican legal community is grieving the loss of Senior Parish Court Judge for Hanover, Sasha-Marie Ashley, following her passing on Monday morning after a period of illness. Chief Justice Bryan Sykes described her death as a profound loss for the judiciary.
“Judge Ashley was an outstanding judicial officer who served the people of Jamaica with distinction, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice,” Chief Justice Sykes said in an official statement. “Her life and judicial career were still unfolding, marked by promise, purpose, and service.”
Judge Ashley served across multiple parishes, including Hanover, St. James, Clarendon, and Westmoreland. Chief Justice Sykes praised her approach to the bench, noting that she brought a balance of firmness, fairness, and humanity to her work — qualities that earned her deep respect from litigants, attorneys, court staff, and fellow judges.
Colleagues remembered her not only for her professional excellence but also for her warm and generous spirit. Chief Justice Sykes described her as “a warm and vibrant presence within the judiciary family,” whose collegial nature and genuine care for those around her left a lasting impression on every court she served.
“Her passing is not only the loss of a valued colleague but the loss of a cherished friend,” Sykes added.
Judge Ashley’s contributions to Jamaica’s justice system are remembered as a legacy of dedication and service to the public.
