The late Justice Désirée Patricia Bernard shattered glass ceilings thus paving the way for generations of women in the legal fraternity, according to former Vice-President of the Caribbean Association of Women Judges, Justice Maureen Rajnauth-Lee.

She was at the time making a tribute in honour of Bernard who served as Chancellor of the Guyana Judiciary as well as a judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice.
The memorial service was attended by several legal luminaries both locally and regionally.
Justice Rajnauth-Lee who was the first woman citizen of Trinidad and Tobago to be appointed to the CCJ Bench related that Bernard was a trailblazer, visionary champion of justice and equality, and mentor to many including herself.
“Her historic appointments as the first female Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana, and in the Commonwealth Caribbean, Justice Bernard shattered glass ceilings… she paved the way for generations of women in the legal profession.”
According to Justice Rajnauth-Lee Bernard’s contributions extended far beyond the courtroom. As a founding secretary of the Caribbean Women’s Association and the first president of the Organisation of Commonwealth Caribbean Bar Associations, she tirelessly advocated for the rights and empowerment of women throughout the region.

Justice Bernard’s dedication to gender equality was not confined to the Caribbean as she made her mark on the international stage as a member and chair of the United Nations committee on the elimination of discrimination against women.
In addition, she was remembered for her expertise in matters of law, gender, and public interest.

“We celebrate the pivotal role that Justice Bernard played as a first patron of the Caribbean Association of Women Judges.” In this regard, Justice Rajnauth-Lee encouraged female judges to use Bernard’s life as encouragement and inspiration.
“Let her life serve as an inspiration for all of us gathered here today and for future generations of women judges in the Caribbean and beyond. In her honour, let us reaffirm our dedication to upholding the principles she held dear and continue the important work she began,” she stated.
Also delivering remarks at the memorial service was the President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Adrian Saunders who expressed that it was a privilege for him to serve alongside Justice Bernard while noting that she was an extraordinary individual who championed the cause of women.
“Justice Bernard was such an extraordinary lady that it was an extremely great honor and privilege for me to serve as a judge with her at the Caribbean Court of Justice. We have heard and we will no doubt continue to hear a considerable amount about a number of accolades bestowed on her for her work in championing the cause of women and justifiably so.”

Rajnauth-Lee