Justice Roxane George sworn in as acting Chancellor of the Judiciary

Justice Roxane George was officially sworn in Monday to perform the duties of the Chancellor of the Judiciary. Alongside her, Justice Navindra Singh took the Oath of Office to act as Chief Justice. The ceremony was held at the Office of the President, where both judges took their oaths before President, Dr Irfaan Ali.

These appointments follow the announcement that Chancellor (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, will be proceeding on an extended period of leave. At the swearing in ceremony, President Ali stated that the temporary appointments were made to ensure “continuity and the efficient functioning of the Judiciary.”
Justice George, who has served with distinction as Chief Justice since 2017, now assumes the Judiciary’s highest role in an acting capacity, overseeing the administration of justice and judicial conduct during this transitional period. Her elevation underscores the trust placed in her leadership and judicial integrity.
Justice Navindra Singh, known for his experience on the High Court bench, will take over George’s previous duties as Chief Justice, temporarily filling the vacuum left in one of the most pivotal judicial posts in the country.
President Ali also emphasised that the appointments were not simply procedural, but symbolic of the administration’s commitment to the rule of law.
Additionally, the Ali stated that the appointments were made in the interest of maintaining continuity and ensuring the efficient functioning of the Judiciary in the Offices of Chancellor and Chief Justice, noting that the temporary filling of Justice Cummings-Edwards’s absence reflects the administration’s commitment to justice, fairness and the rule of law, which are essential to the country’s democratic framework. Last month, the appointments of Justice George-Wiltshire and Justice Navindra Singh were signaled when Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton continued to debate what constitutes “meaningful consultation” as required by the Constitution.
President Ali had sent a formal letter informing the Opposition Leader of his intentions and requesting feedback by July 18, 2025, but no response was received.
Subsequently, during his weekly programme ‘Issues in the News’, Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall SC addressed the matter, emphasising that the President had fulfilled his constitutional obligation to initiate consultation and that silence from the opposition leader does not equal a veto. While Norton has claimed publicly that the President is violating the Constitution, Nandlall shot back with judicial precedent. In legal terms, the absence of response is not deemed a breach on the President’s part. According to the AG, the courts have ruled that constitutional appointments cannot be held hostage by non-engagement from the opposition.
With mounting pressure to prevent a leadership vacuum in one of the most vital arms of state, the AG has made clear that Guyana cannot afford institutional paralysis.