President says senior counsel appointments ‘deserving and meritorious’

President Irfaan Ali Thursday afternoon officially conferred senior counsel status on three members of the local bar who have dedicated decades of service to the legal profession.

Dr Ali declared that the appointments were both “meritorious and deserving.”

The presentation of the instruments of appointment was done at State House mere hours after High Court Judge, Nareshwar Harnanan handed down a ruling in a case which challenged the President’s power to confer silk.

Those persons receiving the instruments of appointment were Anil Nandlall who currently serves in Dr Ali’s Cabinet as the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs; Timothy Jonas, who had moved to the court back in August 2020 to challenge the President’s power to make the appointments; and Jamela Ali, who was appointed by former President David Granger but refused to accept the title.

The three newly minted senior counsel are being recognised for their service having been admitted to the bar in 1998, 1996 and 1989, respectively. President Ali said the title of senior counsel has long been associated with standards of distinction, which he believes the three legal minds have demonstrated.

“Their record of excellence and sterling service exemplify the high standards which the legal profession requires,” the Head of State said.

He wished the new senior counsel continued success. Speaking to the gathering of legal luminaries, which included Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack, President Ali reminded that the legal system is the foundation upon which the rule of law exists.

He urged those with the responsibility to ensure that a just and fair legal system continues to flourish in Guyana as it is fundamental to good governance.

Also present at the ceremony was Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo and Senior Government Minister, Dr Ashni Singh.