Time for constitutionally guaranteed financial independence of judiciary – Chancellor

Last Updated on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, 23:06 by Writer

Chancellor of the Judiciary Roxane George-Wiltshire called on the government to obey Guyana’s Constitution by allowing the judiciary to determine its own budgetary allocation from the consolidated fund.

“Most importantly, I reiterate: the judiciary looks forward to full compliance with Article 122(a) of the Constitution of Guyana and the return of the judiciary of Guyana to being a fully self-accounting entity which manages its tender processes with full accountability to Parliament regarding how its budgetary allocation is spent,” she told the opening of the 2026 Law Year.

Among those present were government ministers including Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall.

Ms George-Wiltshire said as far as she was aware Guyana was the first Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state that provided “such autonomy” to the judiciary. “Therefore, full implementation of the fiscal management provision is necessary to fulfill the constitutional mandate and retain our leadership in this regard,” she added.

Article 122 (a) of Guyana’s Constitution states that subject to the provisions of articles 199 and 201, all courts shall be administratively autonomous and shall be funded by a direct charge upon the Consolidated Fund and such courts shall operate in accordance with the principles of sound financial and administrative management.

That provision also states that all courts and all persons presiding over the courts shall exercise their functions independently of the control and direction of any other person or authority, and shall be free and independent from political, executive and any other form of direction and control.