Jessica Roland was officially sworn in as the 91st Bailiff, after more than six years as Deputy Bailiff.
She has made history as the first woman to hold the position in nearly 750 years.
Following formal proceedings, Ms Roland said that it was fantastic looking out over all the faces of people wanting her to be a success.
‘It was inevitable that a woman was going to be recruited as Bailiff one day. There are so many women in the legal profession now and I’m delighted to be one,’ she said.
‘I want to make sure that young people realise the importance of the rule of law, that they understand it is a really important institution that this island needs to rely on, and so that’s my main aim.'
Lt-Governor Richard Cripwell said that the role of Bailiff had a unique and distinguished place in local history and offered his congratulations on behalf of King Charles III.
‘We should remind ourselves that you are, in principle, a girl from the Forest, whose considerable achievements in the law and public office were built on hard work, application and ability,’ he said.
‘You take office because you possess the personal and professional qualities for duty and with distinction. I hope very much that your appointment and achievement will stand as an example to everyone on this island of what is possible here.’
Senior jurat Stuart Crisp also spoke briefly at the installation, congratulating her on behalf of the jurats.
HM Procureur Megan Pullum thanked former Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon for his service and wished him well in retirement.
To Ms Roland, she said that the Guernsey Bar was confident the law was in safe hands and her place in history was secure.
‘This is a moment of real historical significance and the bar is proud to witness it,’ said Ms Pullum.
‘When you were sworn in as Deputy Bailiff, in the middle of lockdown, you were joined only by your mother, husband and children.
‘They have had a large share in your journey and I know they are very proud of you. We are delighted to celebrate this occasion with them properly.’
Ms Roland expressed her thanks to everyone for attending, including representatives from Jersey and the Ministry of Justice in London.
She became emotional when she referenced recently retired jurat Stephen Jones.
‘Without him, I would not be sitting here. It was he, back in 2019, who, despite my reservations, suggested I put myself forward to be Deputy Bailiff,’ she said, also thanking him for his ongoing support.
Although Sir Richard was not present at yesterday's installation, Ms Roland said it was important for her to acknowledge the help and assistance which he had given her while they worked together for the last six years.
Ms Roland said she had been thinking about how different the ceremony was from her swearing in as Deputy Bailiff.
‘It was a small and intimate ceremony with a small number of officials and my immediate family,' she said.
‘After the swearing in and taking some photos, I went home and had a cup of tea in my garden and then got to work.
‘I am very aware, after my appointment as Deputy Bailiff, that I was the first woman in that role.
‘It mattered to a lot of people.
'The symbolism of a woman in that role was important for what it stood for as a reflection of our community.
‘As I take the role of Bailiff, surrounded by other women in roles where most important decisions are made, what it says to me is that in this Bailiwick we are willing to dismantle barriers and harness all of the talents and skills available to us and we will not limit ourselves by gender or background.’
She again became emotional when she thanked her family and friends, particularly those who travelled to be there for the installation.
‘I know that the role of Bailiff can be all-consuming and it is not possible to do so to the best of my ability without those close to me being fully supportive and I am very lucky indeed.
‘That is all I will say, not because they mean so little, but because they mean so much.’
‘The most amazing moment’
Jessica Roland is ‘totally qualified to lead us into the rest of the century’, a campaign group said at her installation as Bailiff.
Students and campaign group Women in Public Life cheered on the new Bailiff as she exited the building, forming a guard of honour to show their support.
Women in Public Life founder Shelaine Green said it was the most amazing moment.
‘There hasn’t been a female Bailiff in the 748 years of there being a Bailiff. All 90 of Jessica Roland’s predecessors have been men,’ she said.
‘It’s very exciting that finally we have a female bailiff leading us in our island.
‘This says that women can do any role in society, even the most senior ones.’
Cheers and excitement filled the street between St James and the Royal Court, as Ms Roland was congratulated on her service to the island and appointment.
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