WESTERN BUREAU:

When Zaila McCalla was sworn in as the first female Chief Justice of Jamaica last Tuesday, many hailed her as a trendsetter raising the bar for women across the island. However, for the residents of Lennox Bigwoods in Westmoreland, this was just another feather in 'Miss Beryl's' daughter's cap.

One of six children born to Beryl and Leopold Morris (both now deceased) on August 10, 1946, Chief Justice Zaila McCalla, née Morris, has always commanded respect in her community.

"She was a pleasant girl, always a winsome smile on her face. She had a high level of industry and did not think anything was too menial for her to do," said Rhona Anglin, a former teacher at the then Chantilly All-Age School, which Mrs. McCalla and her siblings attended as children.

Well behaved student

"They (Zaila and her sisters) were always involved in school activities. They were not students who gave any trouble, they were well mannered and well behaved."

She added: "No one has to push the children. You could see that they thought education was the root. Zaila was a brilliant student - a pacesetter from those days."

Anglin said: "She passed her Common Entrance for Montego Bay High School. She got a scholarship from the Government and in those days it was not common to have people passing the Common Entrance Examination and getting (financial aid) from the Government."

An attorney by profession, it appears that Chief Justice McCalla's passion for laying down the law had its kernel in her youth.

"She was a bright girl. She was strict and she liked to study," said cousin Hylton 'Man Man' Morris, who still resides in the community. "She always had a book, and if you asked her any question (about schoolwork), she would be willing to explain (whatever it was) with you."

Growing up in a small community with a mother who bought and sold items and a father who operated his own little bakery, Zaila and her family were known by almost everyone. While many of her contemporaries have left the community, the Morris name is still on many a tongue.

"She was just a nice, quiet person," said former schoolmate Donald Fletcher. "From school, we know that she was a brilliant girl - her mother would have been proud."

"Her mother was my godmother," declared Leroy Harvey. "She (Zaila) is so nice. When she comes down here, you would not know she is a judge. She calls to everyone, and who she can give a (pair of) trousers, she gives one.

"Two years ago when she was down here, she gave away bun and cheese. She remembered everyone, old and young. Mi proud.

" ... We expect big things. I want to see her clear the backlog in the justice system. She has the brains," Harvey added.