Newly-appointed acting Appeal Judge hopes to address backlog

In light of the current shortage of Judges at the Guyana Court of Appeal, President David Granger has appointed University of West Indies (UWI) Lecturer, Dr Christopher Arif Bulkan, as an acting Appeal Judge. However, his temporary appointment will only last six months.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at State House on Wednesday and among those present were members of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) – the body responsible for making the recommendation to the President.

In an invited comment, Dr Bulkan told reporters that he looks forward to working with all stakeholders to address the backlog of cases, which currently plagues the judicial system.
“Because they are under-staffed right now, my position will help to clear up the backlog or go somewhere towards that,” he said.
Having worked at the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Chambers and being a Magistrate here, Dr Bulkan believes he would be able to make some headway in clearing up the backlog within his short tenure.
“It would mean less adjournments, it would mean lawyers will get to present their cases and so on,” he added.
Although Dr Bulkan has never served as a High Court Judge in Guyana, his appointment was recommended to the President after he was interviewed by the JSC.
Asked how Bulkan’s name found its way before the Commission, Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams could not say. However, he did note that the Constitution does provide for the appointment of acting Justices of Appeal.
Nevertheless, Williams posited that he believes the newly appointed Appeal Judge (ag) has the ability to acquit himself excellently.
Meanwhile, President Granger in brief remarks highlighted the importance of efficient and timely dispensation of justice by the local courts, which he said are fundamental bases for a law-based State such as Guyana. In this regard, he added that the Judiciary is the vital organ in the preservation of the system of law and order.
He went onto reaffirm his Government’s commitment in ensuring that the judicial system remains independent.
Bulkan was appointed under Article 128 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana, which provides that, “Judges, other than the Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall be appointed by the President who shall act in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC)”.
Also in attendance at the swearing in ceremony were Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Chief Justice (ag) Justice Roxane George, and Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.