New acting CJ vows to address judicial backlog

TIMES INT'L
Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards was on Wednesday sworn in as acting Chief Justice by the David Granger-led A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change coalition Government at the Ministry of the Presidency as Justice Ian Chang proceeds on pre-retirement leave
Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards was on Wednesday sworn in as acting Chief Justice by the David Granger-led A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change coalition Government at the Ministry of the Presidency as Justice Ian Chang proceeds on pre-retirement leave

Supported by her husband and daughter, Appeal Court Judge, Justice Yonnette Cummings-Edwards was on Wednesday sworn in by President David Granger to carry out the functions of acting Chief Justice.

Cummings-Edwards took the oath of office at the Ministry of the Presidency, becoming the second woman in Guyana to be elevated to that post.

She took the oath in the presence of her husband, Dr Maurice Edwards and their daughter; Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams; Minster of State Joseph Harmon; and Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh, along with well wishers and friends.

Justice Cummings-Edwards, who has some 27 years of legal experience under her belt told the media after her swearing in that she will be tackling, with the help of her colleagues, the backlog of cases within the judicial system.

“I intend to look at the state of affairs right now and I intend to deal with backlogged cases. I intend to deal with matters affecting the judiciary – the smooth functioning of the judiciary and I intend to have all hands on board for us to work together towards having a system that will ensure justice is done,” she told journalists at the Ministry of the Presidency.

According to her, while the backlog of cases is nothing strange for any judiciary, she is of the firm belief that with “all hands on board”, with commitment and cooperation of all involved, there is hope for a much improved system.

“It’s something that has to be handled consistently and by all of us. I intend for all the Judges and myself to tackle the issue”, she said.

Asked about her feeling over the appointment, Cummings-Edwards said “I feel elated and I am honoured, and at the same time, it is a humbling experience”.

The longstanding Judge replaces acting Chief Justice Ian Chang, who goes into retirement in February 2016. However, Chang will soon leave the bench as he must take his retirement leave, which Government said is in excess of one month.

President David Granger, during consultation with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo last week said Cummings-Edwards was the “most suitable person to act in the position.”

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