By Mark DaCosta- In a significant event that highlights the legal prowess emerging from our nation, Justice Arif Bulkan, an esteemed son of the soil, will be inaugurated as a judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Thursday, 16 October 2025. This momentous occasion promises to uplift the legal fraternity and add a distinguished voice to the regional judiciary. The ceremony, which will be presided over by President Irfaan Ali, will take place at the Office of the President, celebrating not only Justice Bulkan’s remarkable career but also his unwavering commitment to justice and human rights.
Justice Bulkan’s journey through the legal landscape is notably illustrious. He has an impressive academic background, having obtained a Bachelor of Laws from The University of the West Indies, a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School, and a Master of Laws from University College London. Further enriching his credentials, he earned a doctorate in law from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University in Canada. His vast international experience spans various roles — including litigator, academic, author, and international law expert — underscoring his versatility and dedication.
Having been admitted to the Bar in Guyana in 1990, Bulkan embarked on his legal career at the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions, where his talent and determination propelled him to the position of Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions. Between 1997 and 2004, he transitioned into private practice before returning to serve on the Court of Appeal of Guyana in 2018. Most recently, since May 2022, he has embraced the role of Judge of the Court of Appeal in Belize. His extensive contributions to both legal education and human rights advocacy further affirm his standing as a beacon of integrity and expertise in the field.
Justice Bulkan has not only excelled in the courtroom; he has also notably shared his knowledge with others. He devoted years to teaching at The University of the West Indies’ Faculty of Law, where he influenced many aspiring legal minds. Additionally, he has made significant contributions to international human rights, serving as an expert member on the United Nations Human Rights Committee and assuming the role of Vice Chairperson from 2019 to 2022. In June 2023, he was elected to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, where he currently serves as Second Vice-President, further deepening his commitment to advocating for human rights across the region.
As Justice Bulkan prepares for his swearing-in ceremony, Justice Winston Anderson, the current President of the CCJ, will visit our nation from 14 to 17 October 2025. President Anderson’s visit represents a meaningful engagement between regional judicial leaders, and it will be marked by various courtesy calls to key figures in our governance and judiciary, including President Irfaan Ali, Justice Roxane George, and members of the legal fraternity. The focus of these discussions will centre on judicial matters and collaboration within the Caribbean judicial landscape, reflecting a commitment to strengthening the rule of law collectively.
This swearing-in ceremony stands as a proud moment for our country, as Justice Bulkan’s appointment reflects not only the individual’s dedication and accomplishment but also showcases the growing impact of Caribbean nationals in the advancement of legal and human rights standards. It emphasises that our nation continues to nurture exceptional talent capable of thriving on international platforms.
The significance of such appointments within the CCJ resonates deeply within the realm of our legal system, inspiring current and future generations of legal professionals. As we anticipate this proud occasion, it serves to remind us of our shared responsibility towards justice, equality, and the upholding of human rights. Justice Bulkan’s elevation to the CCJ is a testament to the potential that lies within our borders and a symbol of hope for a brighter and more just future in our beloved nation.
With leaders like Justice Bulkan at the helm, the Caribbean continues to strive towards a horizon of legal excellence, ensuring that justice reigns across our diverse comunidades. As he embarks on this new chapter, we celebrate not only his ambition and achievements but also honour the ideals and aspirations of our country. The formal introduction of Justice Bulkan to the CCJ will undoubtedly enhance our regional legal framework, a development that will echo throughout the years to come.
