Six new puisne judges were sworn in yesterday during a ceremony at the Office of the President, with President Irfaan Ali urging them to uphold judicial independence while working to reduce longstanding court delays.
The ceremony was attended by senior members of the judiciary and the legal fraternity, including Attorney General Anil Nandlall SC, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Roxane George SC, Chief Justice Navindra Singh, and other constitutional and legal officials.
The new appointees Sueanna Lovell, Azeena Baksh, Renita Singh, Christel Lambert, Sunil Scarce and Mandisa Breedy took their oaths of office in accordance with Article 128(1) of the Constitution, which provides for the appointment of judges by the President acting on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.
In his remarks, President Ali described the oath of office as a binding constitutional commitment that extends beyond ceremonial formality, stressing that it represents a lifelong obligation to the rule of law and the people of Guyana.
“The authority you wield is not your own. It is derived from the Constitution,” he told the new judges, adding that judicial officers must act without fear or favour, affection or ill will.
He emphasized that judicial independence remains central to the functioning of the justice system, stating that while the Executive facilitates appointments, it does not direct judicial decision-making.
The President reminded the judges that they now assume responsibility as arbiters of justice, guardians of fundamental rights, and interpreters of the law, noting that public confidence in the courts rests heavily on their integrity and impartiality.
A significant portion of his address focused on delays within the justice system, which he acknowledged as a persistent concern affecting public trust and access to justice. He noted that increasing the number of judicial officers forms part of wider efforts to strengthen the capacity of the courts.
The appointment of six judges at a single sitting, he said, reflects a continued push to address backlog challenges, following similar appointments in recent years. However, he cautioned that structural improvements alone would not be sufficient without efficiency in case management and delivery.
“Every judgment delivered promptly restores confidence in the system,” the President said, urging the new judges to approach their dockets with urgency while maintaining fairness and due process.
He further reminded the judiciary that the courts are often viewed by citizens as the “last hope of the common man,” stressing that delays in justice can amount to a denial of justice itself.
The President outlined key qualities expected of judicial officers, including discipline, fidelity to the law, independence of thought, and humility in the exercise of judicial authority. He added that judges must remain insulated from public pressure, political influence, and personal bias.
He also cited legal authorities on judicial conduct, reinforcing the principle that judges must decide cases solely in accordance with law, even when such decisions may be unpopular or contrary to prevailing public sentiment.
The newly sworn-in judges are expected to assume duties immediately as the judiciary continues efforts to manage an expanding caseload and address concerns about delays in the hearing and determination of cases.
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