THE Justice Service Commission (JSC) has initiated interviews for judges to fill vacancies in various High Courts across Guyana, notably in Berbice, where a backlog of Land Court cases persists.

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, announced this during his programme, ‘Issues in the News,’ stating, “People, especially from Berbice, continue to complain about the absence of judges in the Land Court.

“I’m pleased to inform you that the Judicial Service Commission has commenced interviewing candidates to fill vacancies of High Court judges and Land Court judges.”

Historically, the JSC has invited qualified individuals for judicial positions.

However, the recently constituted JSC has adopted a more transparent approach by advertising positions of magistrates and judges across various regions.

Additionally, the JSC is actively seeking individuals for administrative roles within the country’s courts.

Nandlall welcomed this development, citing its alignment with principles of transparency and international best practices.

According to the job specifications, a Puisne Judge shall hold office until reaching the age of 65 years, with a monthly salary of G$1,425,065 inclusive of various allowances.

The appointed person will serve in the three counties of Guyana and handle civil and/or criminal jurisdictions of the High Court.

Qualifications for Puisne Judge applicants include being or having been a judge of a court of unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or being qualified for admission to practise as an attorney-at-law with at least seven years of practice.

Desirable qualifications include a common law background and knowledge and experience in criminal and civil practice and procedure, along with a high level of personal integrity.

In July 2023, Chancellor (ag) of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards, former Chancellor Justice Carl Singh, Retired Appeal Court judge BS Roy, Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, and Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Manniram Prashad were sworn in as JSC commissioners by President Dr Irfaan Ali.

Justice Cummings-Edwards serves as the chairperson, while Justices George and Prashad serve as ex-officio members.

The JSC, with a three-year life, is responsible for making recommendations for judicial appointments and disciplinary control over judicial officers.

It advises the President on judicial appointments, except for the Chancellor and the Chief Justice.

The judicial system faces challenges due to the shortage of judges and magistrates burdening the existing pool of judicial officers.

Last month, JSC appointed nine new magistrates to serve the 10 administrative regions.

Attorneys-at-Law Teriq Mohammed, Abigail Gibbs, Shivani Lalaram, Michelle Matthias, Tamieka Clarke, Orinthia Schmidt, Ravindra Mohabir, Omadatt Chandan, and Tuanna Hardy are the latest appointees.