Dear Editor,
Quincy Anderson has questioned whether Justice Arif Bulkan should recuse himself from matters involving the PPP/C government on the basis that his “immediate family is heavily intertwined with opposition politics” (Guyana Chronicle June 10, 2026).
Is this the sort of argument that the State-owned newspaper should be printing? Would Justice Bulkan be kosher if his family were heavily intertwined with the ruling Party? Were any of his judgements discredited during his stint on the Court of Appeal (2018?) – then or since?
If Arif Bulkan is tainted by mere accident of birth, what then is the position when a Judge’s actual conduct raises real questions as to their impartiality and capacity for good judgment? In November 2025, Winston Anderson – the current President of the CCJ – flew into Guyana and voluntarily participated in the runnings which culminated in the resignation of then acting Chancellor Cummings-Edwards, which made way for Roxane George-Wiltshire and Navindra Singh to assume the top 2 judicial posts. (Norton troubled over CCJ President’s role in Justice Cummings matter – Stabroek News)
Since Quincy Anderson has raised issues of appearance of bias on the part of Justice Bulkan in matters involving the PPP/C government, one could ask whether similar concerns attach to the head of the CCJ. Can the average Guyanese citizen reasonably be expected to believe there is absolutely no risk of political predisposition considering the murky history surrounding Justice Anderson’s alleged involvement in the events culminating in the early retirement of former Chancellor Cummings-Edwards? That question alone is sufficient to justify recusal. One piece in Village Voice News articulated the concern (Nov 8, 2025):
“The controversy has prompted broader questions about judicial ethics and integrity. What role, if any, did Justice Anderson actually play in Justice Cummings-Edwards’ removal, and does such involvement by a regional judicial figure compromise the principles of judicial independence? Critics argue that any perception of coercion or partiality at the CCJ threatens public confidence in the region’s highest appellate court and underscores the need for transparency in matters of judicial appointments.” (Questions Raise Over CCJ President’s Role in Controversial Removal of Acting Chancellor – Village Voice News)
Which brings us back to Quincy Anderson’s question. If Justice Bulkan’s impartiality is being questioned in relation to matters involving the PPP/C government because of the alleged sentiments/activities of family members over whom he has no control, what questions should be asked about the involvement in such matters by the President of the CCJ given the controversy created over his alleged association with the PPP/C government at the time of the departure of former acting Chancellor Cummings-Edwards?
Yours truly,
Earl Grant
