Judges’ appointment still engaging President’s attention -Minister Harmon

GINA, Guyana, Thursday, May 4, 2017

The matter of judicial appointments to the High Court and the Court of Appeal, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said, continue to engage the attention of President David Granger.

The Minister, today, at a Post- Cabinet media briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency, was asked about the delay in the appointments.

The Minister of State explained that the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) has to make the initial appointments. The JSC then makes recommendations to the Head of State. Minister Harmon reminded that Government has had to take several steps, as was done with other Commissions, to ensure that the body is staffed and manned adequately.

Minister Harmon also noted that that the Chief Justice does not have to be sworn in to act as a member of the JSC, as this becomes automatic once the appointment is made.

The Ministry of the Presidency announced that effective March 1, 2017, that Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, who has been acting as Chief Justice will assume the responsibility of Acting Chancellor and Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire will replace her as the new Acting Chief Justice.

 

By: Paul McAdam