A newly established civic organization, The Building Our Dream Guyana Movement – Defenders of the Rule of Law Ad Hoc Group, will host an Advocacy Activity in honour of former Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonnette Cummings-Edwards, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., outside the Court of Appeal, High Street, Kingston, Georgetown.
According to a public statement issued by Citizen Audreyanna Thomas, Coordinator of the group, the event aims to express deep appreciation for Justice Cummings-Edwards’ “sterling contributions to the development of Guyana, and more specifically, for her exemplary leadership in the judiciary from 2017 – 2025.”
Thomas noted that many professional women in Guyana believe that “the chapter in the story of how the former Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonnette Cummings exited the judiciary must be re-written.” She added that the planned advocacy is “one of the many initiatives to re-write her story as an honourable and distinguished citizen, jurist, professional and sister in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”
The former Acting Chancellor’s departure came amid reported tensions within the judiciary. The situation was further complicated when Justice Cummings-Edwards returned from a two-month vacation on October 15, 2025. Upon her return, Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh reportedly refused to vacate his post — a move that would have allowed previously acting Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire to assume the office. This created what observers have described as an untenable situation for Justice Cummings-Edwards and likely influenced her decision to retire early.
Following her pre-retirement leave, President Irfaan Ali announced that Justices George-Wiltshire and Singh would continue performing the duties of acting Chancellor and acting Chief Justice, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Building Our Dream Guyana Movement – Defenders of the Rule of Law Ad Hoc Group has committed to advocating for judicial independence and public education on the rule of law. Thomas explained that the organization was created to “mobilize, coordinate and organize members of the public, civil society, among others to defend judicial officers, the judiciary and the rule of law, whenever it becomes necessary,” ensuring “that the judiciary would remain independent and judicial officers could administer justice without fear or favour, affection or ill will.”
The group is calling on citizens, especially women, to participate in Tuesday’s event and to bring placards bearing messages of appreciation. “We are inviting our Guyanese brothers and sisters to join us on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.,” the statement read. “We will be standing on the pavement in front of the Court of Appeal on High Street, Kingston, Georgetown, as we engage and advocate peacefully.”
Members of the media are also invited to cover the event.
