The Royal Gazette understands that Puisne Judge Richard Ground will be leaving the Island to accept the post of Chief Justice in Turks and Caicos.

Last week, a lawyer suggested to the Court of Appeals that Mr. Justice Ground might no longer be available to try a case scheduled for late November.

A second legal source confirmed the speculation.

But when Mr. Justice Ground was asked to confirm or deny the reports, he paused and then responded: "It's a personal matter, and I couldn't comment.'' Chief Justice Austin Ward also refused to comment.