A COLLECTION of speeches and presentations by Justice of Appeal (ret’d) of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and former Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana, Justice Desiree Bernard, compiled into a book titled “Reflections and Opinions” was launched on Monday.

The book gives persons the opportunity to learn more about the judiciary and its history as related by the renowned justice, who made history both locally and internationally through her years of practice.

A ceremony to facilitate the launch was held at the Herdmanston Lodge and saw in attendance several past and present leading figures in the legal fraternity.
Among them were Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan; former Chancellors of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh and Justice Cecil Kennard; Chief Justice (ag) Madam Roxane George-Wiltshire; Attorney Nigel Hughes; executive members of the Guyana Association of Women Judges (GAWJ); the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) and the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL).

Also in attendance were Minister of Public Telecommunications Cathy Hughes; Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Barton Scotland; Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, among others.
They all came in support of Justice Bernard, a woman of many first –the first female Chief Justice of Guyana; the first female Chancellor of Guyana and the first female judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

She is also the founder/member of GAWL; former Justice of Appeal in Bermuda; former president and member of the United Nations Committee of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; former member of the Administrative Tribunal of the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) and patron of the Caribbean Association of Women Judges.

Justice Bernard in her address to the august gathering recounted the journey towards publication.
“After I retired from the CCJ, I said let me go through these addresses and see what I can do with them. I was able to find a remarkable number of them which I decided I’d put together in a book and this is the result of it,” she said.

The book covers four main areas: the judiciary, the legal profession, women and children issues and general and social issues and topics covered include the Judiciary and the Citizen; the Life of Judges and the Judicial System; the Role of the Appellate Court; Dispute Resolution; and the CCJ and its Underpinnings.

The book which took four years to complete comprises the forward which was written by retired President of the CCJ, Sir Dennis Byron, who reflected on Justice Bernard’s entire life.
“It is extremely useful for all categories of persons, and I would commend it to those who would like to read the history of not only the legal profession but of the country as a whole, our women and what they did,” Justice Bernard said.

She added that it is regrettable that many persons do not know the history of the judiciary or even their country, and expressed the hope that the book will be put to good use.
“I hope that it will be utilised by young and old alike in giving further knowledge about the judiciary…. I hope that it can be utilised by those who see it fit to read it, in whatever field that you think you need help and assistance in the judicial system,” she said.

Acting Chief Justice George- Wiltshire, who also spoke at the launch, related that she had the privilege of being mentored by Justice Bernard and witnessed her rich legacy as a jurist and women’s and human rights activist.

Justice Bernard has also been a strong advocate for the establishment of a family court in Guyana. That court came into being in June 2018, under the stewardship of then Chancellor Carl Singh.

“To say that Justice Bernard lived by example is an understatement. Her commitment to excellence has been exemplified by her distinguished career as a Guyanese and Caribbean jurist. Justice Bernard has never been selfish with her knowledge and experiences, sharing them with legal and non-legal persons alike. This book is a clear demonstration of her commitment to sharing such knowledge and experience,” Chief Justice George- Wiltshire said.

The first copy of the book in Guyana was signed and donated to the University of Guyana Law Faculty. Members of the judiciary were also able to receive signed copies.
Limited copies of Justice Bernard’s book are available at $4,000 per copy, a reduced price for the Guyanese populace.