As the women of Guyana and the world observe International Women’s Day, the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers congratulates the three women who created history in our country and for the legal profession with the conferral of the accolade of Senior Counsel.
Notwithstanding it being long in coming, the association records its pride in the fact that in 2017, women who have long been a part of this noble profession, and many of whom had and are still ably acquitting themselves, were placed on equal footing with public acknowledgment of excellence.
The appointments of Madam Justice Yonette Cummings–Edwards as Acting Chancellor and Hon. Madam Justice Roxane George as Acting Chief Justice, also provide justification for pride among women at the confidence reposed in both judges to ably hold the mantle of leadership of the judiciary while the necessary constitutional and administrative processes are undertaken. Undoubtedly competent lawyers who later deservedly were promoted to judgeships, these judges are known to be hard workers, and thus we at GAWL are confident of them satisfactorily proving that the confidence reposed in them is not misplaced. Both of these judges are also following in the footsteps of role model, leader and mentor, Hon. Madam Justice Desiree Bernard, our association’s founding President, and also Hon. Mesdames Justices Claudette La Bennett and Claudette Singh, the former of whom is also a former association President.
This year 2017, the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in April and will embark on a series of activities during the months of April and May. These activities will include essay competitions for secondary and primary school children, activities with youths and adolescents, and the elderly, a television programme, seminar on legal topics and a health fair. The GAWL looks forward to partnering with citizens in these activities. We must celebrate our women in all achievements big or small, nationally or in our communities, as they all endure to the benefit of all of us. We offer our support and extend the GAWL’s very best wishes to Justices Cummings–Edwards and George-Wiltshire as they embark on the challenge ahead for the justice system for our country.
