Judge Marston C. Gibson: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Marston C. Gibson served as a special referee for the Nassau County Supreme Court in the Tenth Judicial District of New York.

Gibson attended St. Matthias School, Boy’s Foundation, and Harrison College. He then earned an LL.B. from the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies (1972) and a bachelor’s degree in civil law at Keble College (Oxford University) (1979). After completing his studies at Oxford University, Gibson attended the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago.

He has lectured in Criminal Law; the Law of Real Property; Law in Society; and Equity, Doctrines, and Remedies at the St. Augustine Campus and the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies.

Gibson emigrated to the United States in 1987. Shortly after, he joined the New York State Court System, working as an appellate court attorney (1989 to 1992), rising through the ranks to become the principal appellate court attorney. He was then selected to serve as a judicial referee for the Surrogate’s Court of New York County in 1992. During his tenure there, he heard cases involving estates and trusts. Then, in 1998, Gibson was transferred to the Nassau County Supreme Court.

On September 1, 2011, Gibson was appointed to serve as the Thirteenth Chief Justice of Barbados. At the time of his appointment, there were concerns that he did not meet all of the legal criteria to qualify for the judicial post. He held this position until 2020.

His memberships have included the Foundation School Alumni Association of New York (vice president), the Foundation Old Scholars Association of Barbados, the Barbados Cancer Association of New York, and the Caribbean-America Medical and Scientific Association.

As a musician, Gibson plays the guitar for the National Crop-Over Festival Orchestra, which provided accompaniment to the competitors in the Pic-o-de-Crop Calypso competition. He also sings bass in the choir at St. Ambrose Anglican Church and the St. George’s Episcopal Church (Hempstead, New York).

Gibson was conferred the Honour of Knight of St. Andrew with the title Sir Marston Gibson, K.A., as part of the National Independence Honours on November 30, 2012.