Forced Exit of Chancellor Undermines Rule of Law in Guyana

The forced departure of Ms. Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), on early retirement, represents a grave threat to the independence of the judiciary in Guyana.  It is incumbent on every Guyanese to rise above partisanship and condemn the actions of the PPP government in driving Ms. Cummings-Edwards from office.  It is clear that the PPP never forgave her for her decision in the no confidence case.

Consequent to Ms. Cummings-Edwards’ return from leave, Justices George and Singh should have reverted to their previous positions.  It is alleged that Justice Singh was unwilling to do so, and a crisis was triggered.  This crisis should have been swiftly brought to an end with the revocation of Justice Singh’s appointment.  Instead, the government applauded his apparent disrespect by forcing the Chancellor (ag) into premature retirement.  It is my considered opinion that the actions of Justice Singh were premeditated and part of a wider conspiracy to remove the Chancellor (ag).  I take this opportunity to condemn the actions of both the PPP government and Justice Singh.

Justice Singh has had a chequered history in and out of the courtroom.  In fact, he was once the subject of private criminal charges for a road rage incident.  The allegations in those charges were similar to other road rage incidents involving Justice Singh, including one where I was forced to intervene.  Justice Singh was also once accused of intimidating the Deputy Principal of Queen’s College.  Last, the Appeal Court has had cause to reduce, on several occasions, excessive sentences imposed by Justice Singh.  I believe that Justice Singh was not fit for elevation to the office of Chief Justice (ag).  The reports about his refusal to vacate the office of Chief Justice on the return of Justice Cummings-Edwards reinforce my belief.  I am therefore calling on the President to immediately revoke the appointment of Justice Singh as Chief Justice (ag).  To retain him in this position would be an endorsement of bullyism, an affront to all women and, indeed, all Guyanese.

For decades, many individuals and organizations, including the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), have bemoaned the non-confirmation of the top judicial officers in Guyana.  Security of tenure for our judicial officers is critical to an independent judiciary.  The PPP administration has used acting appointments in the judiciary and elsewhere as a sword of Damocles to ensure decision-making favourable to the government.  That sword was dropped on Justice Cummings-Edwards, thus confirming the exact fears of the CCJ and many law-abiding Guyanese.  It is now entirely within the realm of possibility that Justice Roxanne George might be next for the early retirement chopping block.  It is time for this practice of acting appointments in the judiciary to come to a swift end.

Yours truly,
Terrence Campbell