Top judicial appointments still on front burner – Harmon

State Minister Joseph Harmon has stated that the substantial appointments of top positions within the judiciary is still on the front burner.
The Minister told reporters at last week’s post Cabinet press briefing that his Administration is committed to having a functioning judicial sector. To this end, he highlighted President David Granger’s presence at the recent opening of the New Magisterial District in Linden and the recent commissioning of a new wing at the High Court in Demerara as well as the appointment of both Appeal Court and High Court judges last month.
“…so what we want to say is that it is important for us to have a very functional judiciary and that this government will take all the necessary steps to ensure that the judiciary is well resourced, that it has the compliment of judges that is needed, and that the appointment of senior officers within the judiciary will be given the attention it deserves at the level of the President,” Minister Harmon said on Friday.
He went onto say that with regards to the appointments of a substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice, consultations will have to be held between the Leader of the Opposition and the Head of State, while adding that the two officials will determine a time that is convenient to both of them to have such talks.
Back in March, President Granger had sworn-in Appeal Court Judge, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, as acting Chancellor and Puisne Judge, and Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire as acting Chief Justice.
These appointments came following the retirement of former Chancellor, Justice Carl Singh, in February; and former Chief Justice Ian Chang’s retirement last year. Justice Cummings-Edwards was initially appointed acting Chief Justice after Justice Chang retired. However, her post in the judiciary was bumped up a notch to become the second female Chancellor.
The appointments of Justice Cummings-Edwards as acting Chancellor and Justice George as acting Chief Justice were made effective since February 24. According to the Head of State, the appointments were made following “meaningful consultations” with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo in accordance with the Constitution.