The Papua New Guinea Judiciary is pleased to announce that Justice John Carey has been elected as Vice President for the Pacific Region of the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association (CMJA) at the CMJA Council Meeting held on 20 September 2026 in Kingston, Jamaica.
Justice Carey was elected by the Council to fill a vacancy and will serve in the role until the next CMJA Triennial Conference and General Assembly in 2028. Prior to his election, he served as a Council Member for the Pacific Region since 2022, contributing significantly to the Association’s efforts to strengthen judicial cooperation, professional development, and the rule of law throughout the Commonwealth.
The CMJA is an international organisation that brings together judges and magistrates from Commonwealth countries to promote judicial independence, integrity, education, and excellence in the administration of justice.
Justice Carey’s election reflects the confidence placed in his leadership, expertise, and longstanding commitment to the development of the judiciary. His appointment also strengthens Papua New Guinea’s representation and leadership within key Commonwealth judicial institutions.
In accepting the appointment, Justice Carey reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the work of the CMJA and fostering greater collaboration among judges and magistrates across the Pacific region and the wider Commonwealth.
Justice Carey is a Judge of the National and Supreme Courts of Papua New Guinea and serves as Judge Administrator of the Papua New Guinea Centre for Judicial Excellence (PNGCJE). He was appointed to the National and Supreme Courts in July 2023 after serving for several years as Executive Director of the PNGCJE.
With more than three decades of professional experience spanning the Caribbean and Pacific regions, Justice Carey has established a distinguished career in law, judicial education, dispute resolution, human rights advocacy, and public service. He has been admitted to practise law in Fiji, the Cayman Islands, and The Bahamas, and is eligible for admission throughout the Commonwealth Caribbean.
Through his work at the PNGCJE, Justice Carey has played a leading role in the training and professional development of judges, magistrates, court staff, and justice sector stakeholders across the Pacific. He has also been actively involved in community outreach and access-to-justice initiatives throughout Papua New Guinea.
In addition to his judicial responsibilities, Justice Carey is a member of several regional and international legal and judicial organisations. He is also a respected author and judicial educator who has published widely on judicial integrity, judicial education, constitutional law, gender equality, and access to justice.
His election as CMJA Vice President for the Pacific marks another significant milestone in a career dedicated to judicial excellence, the promotion of the rule of law, and the strengthening of cooperation among Commonwealth judiciaries.