Judiciary strengthened with six new Puisne Judges

Six new judges were sworn in on Wednesday, a move expected to boost Guyana’s legal system and improve access to justice. The judges sworn in are Mrs. Sueanna Lovell, Ms. Mandisa Breedy, Mrs. Christel Lambet- Meertins, Ms. Renita Camille Singh, Mr. Sunil Scarce, and Ms. Azeena Baksh. Their Oath of Office for appointment as Puisne Judges was taken before President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Wednesday afternoon.

President Ali charged the six new judges to uphold the Constitution with integrity, remain fiercely independent, and work to reduce court delays.

“To those to whom the oath of office has been administered, I say that you have now entered an office of solemn responsibility. The authority you wield is not your own. It is derived from the Constitution. You are now arbiters of right and wrong, guardians of fundamental freedoms, and interpreters of the law,” President Ali said to the new judges.

The President noted that the appointment of six Puisne Judges represents another significant step in strengthening Guyana’s judicial system. Two years ago, 10 Puisne Judges were also sworn in to expand the judiciary’s capacity in response to growing public demand for justice.

President Ali also addressed the longstanding challenge of judicial backlogs. While acknowledging improvements in the justice system, he said delays continue to frustrate litigants and erode public confidence in the courts.

“Courts around the world, as in Guyana, are burdened with significant backlogs. We have had tremendous improvement. At the same time, the public is weary of delays. Litigants are frustrated by years of waiting, and the credibility of the justice system is strained by the perception that justice is available only to those who can afford to wait. This is not a criticism of the judiciary, but recognition of the challenges that have accumulated over time,” he said.

President Ali said appointing additional judges is an important step but warned that increasing judicial numbers alone will not solve the problem.

“The mere presence of additional judicial officers does not by itself cure the ailment,” he said.

“It is what you do with the time and resources available to you that will determine whether this moment becomes a turning point.”

Encouraging the judges to approach their caseloads with urgency, the President reminded them that every matter concluded represents a citizen receiving long-awaited closure.

“Every judgment you deliver promptly restores confidence in the system,” he stated.

And so, President Ali urged the judges to carry out their duties with courage, compassion, clarity, and efficiency.

“The people have waited. The delays must be curtailed, and the promise of timely justice must be fulfilled,” he said.

He reminded the new judges that the courts remain the last refuge for ordinary citizens seeking protection from injustice and abuse of power.

“For the ordinary citizen, the courthouse is often the final refuge against oppression, injustice, or the overreach of power. When they enter your courtroom, they place their trust in you, not as representatives of the state or anybody or any group, but as impartial guardians of their rights,” President Ali said.

President Ali also highlighted the need for judges to remain steadfast even when public opinion or political pressure conflicts with the law.

Expressing confidence in the newly appointed judges, the President wished them successful tenures marked by integrity, industry, and unwavering independence.

“May you find strength in the Constitution, wisdom in the law, and clarity in your conscience,” he said.