Mme. Justice Yonette Decina Cummings-Edwards began her legal career in 1988 as a State Counsel within the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions. She served in various positions within the Chambers from 1988-2000. In June 2000 Mme. Justice Cummings-Edwards was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Guyana and in January 2008 she was elevated to Judge of the Court of Appeal. From December 2015 she acted as Chief Justice of the Judiciary of Guyana and in March 2017 she was appointed acting Chancellor of the Judiciary and currently serves in this position. She is also the recipient of two National Awards: the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH) and the Order of Roraima for her outstanding contribution to the legal field.
The Hon. Madame Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards is an Appeal Court Judge in the Supreme Court of Judicature, Guyana. Justice Cummings-Edwards started her legal career in the Chambers of the Director of Public prosecution (DPP) as State Counsel/State Prosecutor. While at the DPP’s office she was elevated to various positions including: Senior State Counsel, Assistant Director of Public Prosecution, Deputy Director of Public Prosecution and Acting Director of Public Prosecution. Justice Cummings-Edwards also served as a High Court Judge. She lectured and advised Prosecutors in the Guyana Police Force, Customs and Excise Department and other law enforcement Agencies.
Justice Cummings- Edwards is a member in Expert Group meetings on narcotics prosecution, money laundering and preparation of manual for prosecution of sexual offences. She has been both a presenter and participant in seminars, colloquia, workshop on Human Rights, Domestic Violence, Gender Equality, Alternative Dispute Resolution. Justice Cummings-Edwards is a holder of Masters of Laws degree with specialisation in Family Law, graduating with merit from the University of London, a Bachelor of Laws Degree graduating with Upper Second Class Honour from the University of the West Indies and a Certificate of Legal Education from the Hugh Wooding Law School. (ccjacademy.org)
