Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips reaffirmed on Wednesday the Government’s commitment to preserving the independence of Guyana’s judiciary, stressing that the executive plays no role in determining who is appointed to judicial office or how the courts function.
Prime Minister Phillips made the remarks during the swearing-in ceremony for six new magistrates and five commissioners of title at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal.
The new magistrates are Ocelisa Marks, Nikkisha Logan, Jimelle Joseph, Shareefah Parks, Taneisha Saygon and Caressa Henry.
The five commissioners of title are Deputy Registrar Alicia Lowenfield, Magistrates Annette Singh, Alisha George and Shivani Lalaram, along with Attorney-at-law Utieka John.
Addressing members of the judiciary, legal fraternity and Government officials, Prime Minister Phillips said the Government continues to provide unprecedented levels of support to the judiciary and fully respects the constitutional separation of powers.
“We do not control the judiciary. We do not determine whom they appoint.
We do not determine how they function,” he said, adding that judicial independence is a fundamental constitutional concept the Government embraces.
He explained that the executive’s responsibility is to ensure the judiciary has the financial, technological and physical resources needed to administer justice effectively.
Prime Minister Phillips said that from 2020 to 2026, the Government has made the largest investment in the judiciary since Guyana attained independence, with more courthouses built and rehabilitated and litigation now almost wholly electronic in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice.
He said the executive has also worked with the judiciary to ensure the appointment of the greatest number of judicial officers since independence.
The prime minister underscored the role of a strong and independent judiciary in supporting national development and investor confidence, noting that the safety of local and international investments depends on a competent, independent and reliable judicial system.
Prime Minister Phillips congratulated the appointees and urged them to discharge their duties with integrity, professionalism and efficiency. (DPI)
