Confirm current Chancellor, Chief Justice – Bar Association

Last Updated on Tuesday, 14 January 2025, 19:34 by Writer

President of the Guyana Bar Association, Kamal Ramkarran on Tuesday issued a stirring call for the substantive appointment of acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings and acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire.

Addressing the opening of the 2025 Law Year, he said it was time to bring an end to the 22-year long situation of no substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice.

He said Justices Cummings and George-Wiltshire “are the people who should be confirmed in their positions and it should happen as soon as possible.”

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton has already formally told President Irfaan Ali that he supports the substantive appointment of those two senior members of the Judiciary. Article 127(1) of Guyana’s Constitution provides for the Opposition Leader’s approval.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall was absent from Tuesday’s event. He was represented by Solicitor General Nigel Hawke.

Mr Ramkarran described the situation as “untenable and unacceptable” and “not something we can allow to happen.”

He said there was no reason that Guyana should not have the two office holders be confirmed.

Both President Irfaan Ali and the Attorney General have not offered a reason for the delay in the appointments.

Successive presidents of the Caribbean Court of Justice have publicly called for a confirmed Chancellor and Chief Justice.