Acting Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards was yesterday sworn in as a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and President David Granger says that it was significant since it is a step forward towards fulfilling important constitutional needs.
The Oath was taken at the Ministry of the Presidency.
“As you know we have taken measures to ensure the autonomy and integrity of the judiciary in Guyana and it is not just a matter of prescription but also a matter of practice,” Granger said in brief remarks to the small gathering which included Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Attorney General Basil Williams.
He used the occasion to assure the Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Carl Singh that government would continue to work towards preserving the dignity and integrity of the JSC.
He said that in so doing “we have so far been able to win the confidence of the public and we will continue to ensure that not only the complement of members of the Judicial Service Commission is kept in accordance with law but also the confidence and competence of the members of that commission are always above reproach”.
Granger expressed confidence in Justice Cummings-Edwards discharging her functions professionally and without fear. Her appointment as the Chief Justice automatically qualified her to sit on the JSC.
Justice Cummings-Edwards was nominated for the Chief Justice post late last year in wake of the then office holder Justice Ian Chang preparing to head off on pre-retirement leave. Justice Chang officially retired last month.
The Acting Chief Justice began performing those duties in December last year after taking the Oath of Office. At that occasion in brief comments she had said that among her list of priorities were the issue of the backlog of cases and other critical matters affecting the smooth functioning of the judiciary. While noting that the issue of backlogged cases is not only an issue for Guyana, it must be handled consistently and with all hands on board, she said.
“It is my view that it is a team effort and we can do it,” she said.
