Fmr acting Chancellor Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards named CJ of Turks & Caicos

– appointment takes effect from May 1

Former Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary in Guyana, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands for the next three years.

This was announced by the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, on Thursday. Justice Cummings-Edwards’ appointment was made based on the advice of the island’s Judicial Services Commission, in accordance with section 87(1)(a) of its Constitution.
According to the missive from the Governor’s office, Justice Cummings-Edwards brings over 37 years of experience across the judiciary, having served at the highest levels in Guyana, including as acting chancellor of the judiciary and previously as chief justice.
During that time, she led significant judicial modernisation initiatives, including the digitisation of court systems, the strengthening of case management processes, and the expansion of access to justice, particularly for remote and underserved communities.
She has also been instrumental in advancing specialised courts and restorative approaches to justice while championing judicial training and institutional capacity building.
Commenting on the appointment, Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam said, “This appointment follows a rigorous and highly competitive process, from which Justice Cummings-Edwards emerged as an exceptional candidate. I am confident that her extensive judicial experience, demonstrated leadership, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law will be instrumental in further strengthening the administration of justice and enhancing public confidence in our judicial system.”
“I extend my appreciation to the Judicial Services Commission for its continued diligence and support. I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to the former Chief Justice, the Justice Mabel Agyemang, for her six years of distinguished service to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Her tenure was marked by significant and far-reaching reforms that strengthened the institutional capacity of the courts and improved access to justice. I wish her every success in her future endeavours.”
Chair of the Judicial Services Commission, Justice Neville Adderley, added that, “Upon my appointment last year, 2025, as Chairman of the Judicial Services Commission, I stated, and I quote, ‘As Chairman of the Commission, I will endeavour to cause judges and judicial officers to be appointed who will maintain or improve this already high standard’ of the judiciary.” I and the other commissioners, the Rt Hon Dame Janice Pereira and the Hon Mr Justice Carlos Simons KC (Ret’d), are content that we have fulfilled that promise with this appointment.”
Meanwhile, in accepting the appointment, Justice Cummings-Edwards said, “I am honoured to be appointed Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands and grateful for the confidence placed in me. I look forward to working collaboratively with my judicial colleagues, the legal profession, and justice-sector partners to build on the strong foundation established and further strengthen the delivery of justice in a manner that is fair, efficient, and accessible to all. I remain committed to upholding the rule of law and serving the people of these Islands with integrity and dedication.”
Justice Cummings-Edwards will assume her new role on May 1, 2026. In the interim period, Justice Tanya Lobban-Jackson will serve as acting Chief Justice, ensuring continuity in the administration of justice.
Back in October 2025, it was announced that Justice Cummings-Edwards had proceeded on early retirement after serving as acting chancellor of the judiciary of Guyana for some eight years.
At the time, there were several local reports sparking controversy about her resumption of duties after returning from annual leave. Justice Cummings-Edwards had proceeded on vacation leave in July until October last year.
In her absence, President Dr Irfaan Ali, on August 4, 2025, swore in then Acting Chief Justice Roxane George to perform the duties of the office of Chancellor of the Judiciary and High Court Judge Justice Navindra Singh to perform the duties of the office of Chief Justice – positions they both continue to hold.
Justice Cummings-Edwards began her law career in 1988 as a state counsel within the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). She was appointed a judge of the High Court of Guyana in 2000 and was later elevated to judge of the Court of Appeal in 2008.
From December 2015, she acted as Chief Justice of the Judiciary of Guyana, and in March 2017, she was appointed Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary – a position she served until proceeding on early retirement last year.
Justice Cummings-Edwards is also the recipient of two national awards: the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH) and the Order of Roraima (OR) for her outstanding contribution to the legal field.