Fidela Corbin-Lincoln sworn in as Puisne Judge

Fidela Corbin-Lincoln was yesterday sworn in as a Puisne Judge and President David Granger said that the integrity of the judiciary requires, in part, that judicial vacancies be filled expeditiously and meritoriously, a release from the Ministry of the Presidency said yesterday.

Justice Corbin-Lincoln, who previously served as Master/Chamber Judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, said that she looks forward to bringing her experience to bear in her new appointment. “I always wanted to return home and the opportunity came and I thought this was a good time to come home,” she said, according to the release.

Corbin Lincoln holds a LLB from the University of Guyana and a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School.

Speaking at the event, the President said that the appointment of an adequate complement of judges is necessary to ensure that justice is dispensed in a timely manner.

The President said that in addition to the qualities of independence, impartiality and integrity, judicial officers must ensure the independence of the institution which they serve by resisting any attempt at executive and legislative encroachment. He said that they must also guarantee the impartiality of their decisions by guarding against bias, prejudice and favouritism; and to ensure the integrity of their reputations.

Granger added that his administration remains committed to the independence of the judiciary and will do everything in its power to ensure that the work of the judicial branch is protected.

“The independence of the Judiciary is necessary to protect citizens’ rights and to ensure that legal issues are settled fairly. The independence of the judiciary emphasises that the three branches of Government; the executive, legislative and judicial, respect each other’s Constitutional roles and functions. The independence of the judiciary is respected and protected by the Government of the Republic, which has no interest in interfering in the work of the judiciary or in undermining the rule of law,” he said.

In January and February, Dr. Arif Bulkan and Senior Counsel Rafiq Khan were appointed temporary Justices of the Court of Appeal.

(Ministry of the Presidency photo) From left are Attorney General, Basil Williams; Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards; President David Granger; Fidela Corbin-Lincoln and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon after the swearing-in ceremony.