HEAD of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), Halim Khan, has expressed strong support and enthusiasm following the swearing-in of ten new puisne judges.
This historic event, held recently at the Office of the President, marks the largest batch of new judges since Guyana’s independence and is seen as a significant step in enhancing the judiciary’s capacity and representation.
Among those sworn in were Nicola Pierre, Joy Persaud-Singh, Hessaun Yasin, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, Deborah Kumar-Chetty, Nigel Niles, Peter Hugh, Priscilla Chandra-Hanif, Jacqueline Josiah-Graham, and Zamilla Ally-Seepaul. Notably, eight of the ten judges are women, bringing the percentage of women in Guyana’s judiciary to 70 percent, a figure President Dr. Irfaan Ali highlighted as possibly the highest in the world.
Halim Khan commended this milestone, emphasising the importance of gender equality and the elevation of women in the judiciary.

“This is a proud moment for Guyana,” Khan remarked. “The inclusion of more women in the judiciary not only reflects the competence and capability of our women but also sets a global precedent for gender representation in legal systems.”
He also highlighted the significant investment in the judiciary, noting the modernisation of infrastructure and the integration of technology as key factors in enhancing judicial efficiency and transparency.
“The modernisation of our judiciary, including the use of advanced technology, is essential in today’s dynamic environment. Judges must be equipped to handle complex cases, including those involving artificial intelligence, which requires continuous learning and adaptation,” Khan said.

President Ali also spoke on the evolving nature of the judiciary, with new cases emerging from the development of sectors like oil and gas, maritime, and finance. He urged the new judges to appreciate the national development context and to aspire to set precedents that will be respected and referenced globally.
Khan concluded by reaffirming the Region Three Private Sector Inc.’s support for the judiciary and the government’s efforts to strengthen it.
“We are committed to supporting initiatives that uphold the rule of law and promote justice. The appointment of these ten judges is a testament to the progressive steps being taken to ensure a robust and equitable judicial system in Guyana,” he stated.
The Judicial Service Commission selected these ten judges after a rigorous interview process, where 37 individuals applied for the positions. This marks a significant step forward in ensuring that Guyana’s judiciary is well-equipped to handle the demands of a rapidly evolving legal landscape.

In addition, Khan said he is also advocating for significant legislative changes to support the reintegration of inmates into society. Khan emphasised the need for systems that allow inmates with six months or less remaining on their sentences to begin transitioning back into the community through work programmes.
“Reintegration is a crucial aspect of reducing recidivism and helping former inmates lead productive lives,” Khan stated. “We need robust systems put into place via legislation to ensure that those who are nearing the end of their sentences are given the opportunity to work and reintegrate into society.”
Khan’s call for legislative action reflects a broader commitment to justice and social equity, aligning with the recent advancements in Guyana’s judiciary.