• Reporter
• May 21, 2025
• 0
• 18

Georgetown, Guyana (May 21, 2025) – His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali said that the historic appointment of seven judges to the Court of Appeal is a vital step towards strengthening the institutional framework for the administration of Justice in Guyana.  

At the swearing-in ceremony for five of the seven judges at the Office of the President, the Head of State described the event as a crucial step in strengthening the country’s judicial framework.

Justice Jo-Ann Barlow; Justice Navindra Singh; Justice Nareshwar Harnanan; Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and Dr Joycelin Kyte-Thomas were sworn in today, while Justice Damone Younge and Mr Rafiq Khan, SC, will be sworn in at a later date. 

This is the first time in Guyana’s history that seven judges are being sworn in to the court of appeal. 

The President said that the appointment of the “eminent individuals, made on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, reflects the continuing fortification of our judicial architecture. Their elevation comes at a time when the demand for efficient and expeditious appellate review is greater than ever. The efficacy of any legal system is closely tied to the timeliness with which it dispenses justice.”

He emphasised that expanding the complement of appellate judges is both timely and necessary, enabling more efficient case management and faster resolution of matters—ultimately strengthening public confidence in the judicial process. 

At an individual level, the President extended his sincere congratulations to the newly appointed Justices of Appeal, underscoring that their ascension represents one of the highest honours that can be conferred upon members of the legal profession.

“It signifies recognition not only of your competence and erudition, but also of your character and the fidelity with which you have served the law thus far. However, with such distinction comes a heightened responsibility—one that demands the utmost diligence, impartiality, and fidelity to the Constitution and laws of the Republic.”

He added that as Justices of Appeal, they will be called upon as arbiters in many matters of legal significance and that their pronouncements will shape jurisprudence, guide future pronouncements and influence the manner in which justice is experienced and upheld in Guyana. 

As a result, the President asserted that in carrying out their duties, Guyana expects them to consistently uphold the highest standards of judicial decorum and ethical behaviour.

He also underpinned the importance of being scrupulous, objective, impartial and having integrity. 

“Scrupulousness is essential in appellate work, where careful examination of facts and the precise interpretation of law are paramount. Objectivity ensures that judgments are grounded solely in the merits of the case and the applicable legal principles, devoid of personal or extraneous considerations. Judicial impartiality is the bulwark of a free and democratic society—it must be guarded zealously and exercised without fear or favour. Integrity remains the foundation of a judiciary that commands respect, legitimacy, and public confidence.”

He added that their judgments will resonate beyond the litigants before them and will echo in legal texts, influence policy and impact the daily lives of citizens. 

“Let your tenure on the appellate bench be marked by a commitment to the ideals of justice, fairness, and equity. Let your service bring honour to the Court and inspire confidence in the administration of justice.”