FORMER Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana and retired Judge, Justice Desiree Bernard passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, leaving behind a legacy of trailblazing excellence in the legal profession.
She was 85 years old, and lived in Trinidad. As the first female judge of Guyana and the Caribbean, Justice Bernard held numerous prestigious positions throughout her career, including Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Judiciary in Guyana, and a Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
President Dr. Irfaan Ali expressed his condolences, stating: “It is with profound sadness that I have learnt of the passing of a true icon of the legal profession, Justice (Ret’d) Desiree Bernard.
“Her remarkable career as Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, alongside her esteemed tenure as a Justice of the Caribbean Court of Justice, left an indelible mark on our legal landscape; one that all Guyanese should take pride in.”
President Ali also extended heartfelt condolences to Justice Bernard’s relatives, and the entire legal fraternity, recognising the profound loss felt not only in Guyana but throughout the region.
Throughout her career, Justice Bernard was a staunch advocate for women’s rights, instrumental in abolishing discriminatory laws, and founding organisations such as the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL).
She was the only person nominated four times for an honorary degree at the university, highlighting her unparalleled contributions to the legal field.
Justice Bernard’s journey in law began with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) degree from the University of London in 1963, followed by private practice in the Supreme Court of Guyana. Bernard was referred to as the first female to break glass ceilings in law in the region.
President Ali alluded to Justice Bernard’s trailblazing role for women in law, stating: “Her stellar legal career, personal integrity, and her outstanding legacy, I am confident, will continue to inspire all who seek to serve within our legal system.”
In addition to her ground-breaking work in Guyana, Justice Bernard held memberships in various regional and international organisations, including serving as Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.
She received several awards for her exceptional contributions, including the Cacique Crown of Honour and the Order of Roraima, Guyana’s third and second-highest national awards, respectively.
Justice Bernard’s impact extended beyond her home country, as evidenced by her appointment as a Judge of the Inter-American Development Bank Administrative Tribunal in Washington, DC, USA, in February 2011.
Justice Bernard’s passing marks the end of an era, but leaves behind a lasting legacy of excellence and dedication to the advancement of women and the legal profession.
