President confers ‘Silk’ on Attorney General, two others
His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on Thursday, conferred the honour of Senior Counsel on Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall and attorneys Mr. Timothy Jonas and Ms. Jamela Ali.
The three legal practitioners received their instruments of appointment at a ceremony held in the Baridi Benab at State House.
President Ali said a just and fair legal system is fundamental to democratic governance, ensures recourse for violation and upholds civil liberties.
“It remains an obligation of all Government, citizens, and particularly, members of the legal profession, to work to ensure an effective and efficient legal system. Justice must be affordable, accessible, swift and fair. These are the foundational principles which should and must guide justice administration in Guyana and which will enhance public confidence in our justice system.”
Dr. Ali said an effective and efficient legal system is essential in the social contract between citizens and society since citizens look to the legal system for peace and protection of their rights. Without such guarantee, he said, society would be disordered and unstable.
The President said the legal system remains the foundation on which the rule of law exists. The quality of the legal system, he said, is the “litmus test” of ensuring that every citizen enjoys the protection of and equality before the law.
The Head of State said the title of Senior Counsel has long been associated with standards of distinction. It is a recognition accorded to those who exemplify high standards of excellence and experience in the legal profession.
“The conferment of ‘silk’ is a mark of quality and thereby a means of enhancing public trust in the legal system. The record of excellence and sterling service exemplifies the high standards of which the legal profession aspires. The conferment of senior counsel on these legal luminaries is meritorious and deserving.”
Minister Nandlall has been a practicing attorney over several years. He served as Attorney General under the Donald Ramotar administration.
Senior Counsel Jonas was admitted to the bar in 1996. He has been practicing constitutional, tax, civil, corporate, banking, insurance and public utility law.
Senior Counsel Ali has been a lawyer for over 30 years. She is recognised for her service as a State counsel, senior legal advisor, principal legal advisor and trial lawyer. Ms. Ali was first offered the honour of ‘silk’ under the former APNU+AFC administration but declined due to the “threat to democracy” at the time. President Ali offered her the honour when he acceded to office in August, which she accepted.
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Chancellor of the Judiciary (Ag.) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Director of Public Prosecution, Ms. Shalimar Ali-Hack, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, GECOM Commissioner, attorney Ms. Bibi Shadick and other members of the legal fraternity also attended the ceremony.