President appoints Justice of Appeal, Puisne Judges
Emphasizing the importance of integrity, impartiality, and independence of the Judiciary, President David Granger swore in four new High Court Judges and a Justice of Appeal thursday. The first to take the oath of office as a Justice of Appeal was Justice Deo Rishi Persaud. Granger presented Persaud with his credentials to serve as an Appellate Judge. The Court of Appeal now comprises Justice Dawn Gregory, Justice Rishi Persaud, Chancellor Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire.
The Head of State also presented Attorneys Simone Morris-Ramlall, Damone Younge, Sandil Kissoon and Gino Persaud with their credentials to serve as Puisne Judges. Granger noted that Article 128 (1) of Guyana’s Constitution states that the judges, other than the Chancellor and Chief Justice, shall be appointed by the president, who shall act in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
The president said that while the Government is committed to filling vacancies within the judicial system, it expects that all recommendations for appointments will be based on merit.
“We do not dictate who should be appointed. However, we expect these recommendations will emerge from a dispassionate and objective process.”
He added that the Executive Branch of Government has no interest in interfering in the adjudicatory role of the judiciary nor will it condone any interference in the work of the judiciary.
Granger said that Judges are expected to be exemplars of high moral standards and personal propriety. Stressing the importance of separation of powers, he reaffirmed that the independence of the judiciary must be maintained. “The Judiciary must be unbiased, unblemished and unbribable. Threats to the independence of the judiciary must be repelled.” Reiterating Government’s commitment to ensuring that vacancies within the judiciary are filled, the president said that steps must be taken to ensure that individuals are fit and proper.
(Kaieteur news)