The Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD) has renewed calls for the confirmation of Guyana’s two highest judicial officers, emphasising that continued delay undermines the rule of law and public trust in the justice system.
The statement, issued by IFAAD Vice Chairman and former Georgetown Mayor Pt. Ubraj Narine, welcomed the recent swearing-in of five Justices to the Court of Appeal, describing the appointments as “a critical step in strengthening the judicial system of our nation.” However, IFAAD strongly criticised the government for failing to confirm Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards as Chancellor of the Judiciary and Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire as Chief Justice, both of whom have served in an acting capacity since 2017.
“These two highly respected jurists have served with distinction and integrity for far too long in acting roles,” Narine said. “Their continued non-confirmation, despite their qualifications and proven service, reflects an unacceptable state of indecision and raises troubling questions about equality and fairness within our governance structures.”
IFAAD’s call adds to growing pressure from across Guyanese society and the Caribbean legal community. Since April 2022, former President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Adrian Saunders, has publicly expressed disappointment at the prolonged delay and has urged decisive action.
President of the Guyana Bar Association (GBA), Kamal Ramkarran, has also reiterated his support for the immediate confirmation of the two judges, highlighting that the Bar Association passed a resolution in 2018 endorsing their appointments — a position that remains unchanged.
“Both Justices have served with distinction and are well-qualified for the permanent positions,” Ramkarran recently stated, echoing sentiments widely shared within the legal fraternity.
Civil society has also rallied behind the call. The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Guyana’s oldest and most vocal labour federation, has publicly advocated for the immediate confirmation of Cummings-Edwards and George-Wiltshire, citing the importance of a stable, independent judiciary in protecting democratic governance and worker rights.
Additionally, Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton has formally communicated to President Irfaan Ali his agreement for the confirmation of both judicial leaders. This agreement, consistent with the requirements Article 127(1) in the Constitution of Guyana, removes any procedural excuse for delay.
Article 127 (1) stipulates “the Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.”
“The government has no remaining constitutional hurdle,” Narine told this publication. IFAAD said the Justices’ “continued service in an ‘acting’ capacity, despite their proven competence, reflects an unacceptable state of indecision and raises troubling questions about equality and fairness within our governance structures. It is long overdue that the Government takes decisive action to finalize these appointments. Justice demands not only the appearance of impartiality, but concrete steps that reflect a commitment to fairness and the rule of law,” the statement said.
IFAAD argues that the government’s inaction reflects systemic discrimination and a lack of commitment to justice.
“Justice demands not only the appearance of impartiality, but also concrete steps that reflect a commitment to fairness and the rule of law. There is no place for discrimination — direct or systemic — in our society,” the statement read.
“The people of Guyana deserve a judiciary that is not only independent but also fully constituted,” it continued. “IFAAD urges the administration to act without delay and do what is right — now.”
Mounting pressure from legal authorities, civic organisations, and the political opposition, for the confirmation of Justice Cummings-Edwards and Justice George-Wiltshire has become a national litmus test for governance, equality, and constitutional integrity.
