Guyana’s judiciary hails Justice Saunders as “guiding force” at CCJ retirement sitting

Justice Adrian Saunders, a respected jurist in regional jurisprudence and a longtime member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), has been praised by Guyana’s judiciary for his pivotal role in strengthening the country’s legal framework.

On Tuesday, the CCJ convened a special sitting to commemorate Justice Adrian Saunders’ retirement from office as CCJ President.
Held at Queen’s Hall in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, the event brought together senior judicial figures from across the Caribbean to honour and show their support for the outgoing President. Speaking at the special sitting was Chief Justice of Guyana, Justice Roxane George, who referred Justice Saunders as a “guiding force” in Guyana’s judicial development.
“Justice Saunders has been a guiding force for Guyana’s judiciary, making himself available to attend our judicial conferences and court ceremonies. A respectful, kind, warm, and engaging person, I regard Justice Saunders as a mentor, from whom I have learned so much since 2011, when he welcomed me as a member of the Management Committee of the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers,” Justice George said.

She added, “he leaves an indelible repository of jurisprudence on the legal landscape of the Caribbean, and indeed the Commonwealth, and is a demonstration of why we must not be afraid to embrace our own.”
Also present at the event was Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, who echoed widespread praise by commending the legal dignitary for his role in overseeing several significant local cases.

“I must express deep gratitude to his honour for his service to Guyana, particularly exemplified in numerous cases coming from our country in which he presided and gave rich judicial guidance and settled the law in a number of areas. A number of cases from our jurisdiction adorn the Court’s websites, perhaps outnumbering those of the other jurisdictions which are members of this Court. Some of them reference have been made already but cases on criminal law, electoral law, land law, human rights law, constitutional and administrative law saw a progressive and somewhat liberal elucidation and interpretation of the law.”

Development of judiciary
She also highlighted his commitment to mentoring members of the local legal fraternity, emphasising the lasting impact of his guidance on the development of Guyana’s judiciary. “Sir, you took the time to come to Guyana, not only for the itinerant sitting of the court, but also to provide mentorship, training, and support to us.”
Moreover, Justice Winston Anderson, the designated President of the CCJ, expressed his gratitude to the outgoing President for his numerous contributions in strengthening the CCJ as the premier judicial authority in the Caribbean region.
“My brother and colleague, the Honourable Mr Justice Adrian Dudley Saunders, has provided this region with 48 years of substantial and impactful legal service. Through his work, he has shown an unwavering commitment to justice, promoted the rule of law and championed judicial reform and education, while remaining deeply committed to the intellectual and legal growth of the Caribbean people.”
Justice Anderson added, “The reality is that under President Saunders’ leadership, the CCJ has remained a beacon for judiciaries across the region and internationally. As President, he has faced his share of obstacles. For example, in 2020, when the world was impacted by the ravages of COVID-19, President Saunders kept the CCJ ship steady. The court was able to function effectively when many courts across the world were caught off guard. Virtual hearings continued without interruption. There was no disruption in the operations or filings of cases before the court.”

Strength and integrity
Meanwhile during his address at the event, Justice Saunders conveyed his strong confidence that the current members of the CCJ will diligently uphold and build upon the legacy he has worked to establish, ensuring the continued strength and integrity of the court.
“I demit office convinced that the CCJ ship is in fine shape and good hands the court has grown tremendously from a mere idea to a formidable institution recognised internationally for its commitment to excellence.”
Justice Adrian Saunders, a national of St Vincent and the Grenadines, attained a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill) in 1975 and a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad & Tobago in 1977. He began his legal career as a barrister and solicitor in private practice in his home country.
In 1990, he established the firm of Saunders & Huggins before being invited to join the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) High Court Bench in 1996. On 1st May 2003, Justice Saunders was appointed to the ECSC’s Court of Appeal and served as acting Chief Justice between 2004 and 2005.
In 2005, Justice Saunders was among the first cohort of judges to join the CCJ bench. From 2018 he served as its third President following Michael de la Bastide and Dennis Byron.
Justice Saunders has contributed greatly to regional judicial outreach and judicial education efforts. He is a founding member of the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO) and has served as the organisation’s Chairman since its inception in 2009.