by Randy Gopaul
The recent actions of the PPP government to allegedly block the appointment of Justice Joann Barlow, an eminently qualified African Guyanese judge, to the Guyana Court of Appeal reflect a troubling pattern of racial discrimination and political manipulation within the judiciary. Justice Barlow, recognized as one of the most experienced criminal law experts in the country, was reportedly overlooked in favor of less experienced candidates who happen to align with the PPP’s ethnic and political interests.
This blatant marginalization of Justice Barlow is an affront to her remarkable qualifications and a stunning reminder of the PPP’s systematic efforts to engineer racial dominance in key national institutions. It is incumbent upon professional East Indian lawyers to resist becoming complicit in these divisive and racist machinations. Upholding the principles of meritocracy and justice is essential to preserving the integrity of the judiciary and protecting the democratic fabric of Guyana.
Sources within the judiciary have confirmed that Justice Barlow was bypassed despite being the most qualified candidate for the Court of Appeal, leaving the appellate body without any judge experienced in criminal law. Instead, three East Indian judges—Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, Navindra Singh, and Senior Counsel Rafiq Turhan Khan—were reportedly recommended by the PPP-dominated Judicial Service Commission. It is deeply concerning that this imbalance was only partially corrected after public outcry, when two additional candidates, Attorney Kim Kyte and Justice Damone Young, were hurriedly added to the list of appointees.
The timing and nature of these appointments point to a calculated effort by the PPP to stack the judiciary with individuals perceived to be politically loyal ahead of the 2025 general elections. Such actions jeopardize the independence of the judiciary and undermine public confidence in its ability to fairly adjudicate matters of national importance, including potential election disputes. The judiciary is meant to serve as a bastion of impartiality, not as a pawn in political gamesmanship.
The Role of Professional East Indian Lawyers–A Moral Obligation
Professional East Indian lawyers must take a stand against these efforts to exploit ethnicity for political gain. To acquiesce to or participate in these discriminatory practices not only tarnishes the reputation of the legal profession but also exacerbates racial tensions in an already divided society. Lawyers, regardless of their ethnicity, have a duty to uphold justice and fairness. By aligning with such unethical actions, they risk becoming architects of a dangerous racial hierarchy that erodes the rule of law and perpetuates inequality.
East Indian legal professionals must reject complicity in these actions and advocate for a judiciary that reflects the principles of diversity, merit, and impartiality. Silence in the face of blatant racial bias is tantamount to endorsement. It is critical for these individuals to recognize the long-term damage that racial manipulation of the judiciary inflicts on the nation as a whole.
The judiciary must rise above the political and racial dynamics that threaten to engulf it. Judges and judicial bodies must remain steadfast in their commitment to impartiality and fairness, resisting any attempts to compromise their independence. Professionalism and integrity should guide every decision, ensuring that appointments are based solely on merit and the needs of the judiciary, not on political loyalty or ethnic considerations.
The judiciary must also demand transparency in its processes. The public has a right to know the criteria used to evaluate and recommend candidates for promotion. In the case of Justice Barlow, her exclusion raises serious questions that deserve clear and honest answers. The judiciary’s credibility depends on its willingness to hold itself accountable and to act in the best interests of the nation, not a political party.
The continued silence of African Guyanese attorneys, Black organizations, and civil society in the face of such blatant racial discrimination is troubling. Now, more than ever, these groups must speak out against the PPP’s systematic marginalization of African Guyanese professionals in the judiciary and other critical institutions. History has shown that silence only emboldens oppressors and allows injustice to fester.
