ATTORNEY-GENERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, has extended congratulations to the newly elected executive of the Bar Association of Guyana, while indicating that he is unfazed by threats of legal action stemming from the association’s recent elections.
Speaking recently during his weekly programme ‘Issues in the News,’ Nandlall pledged his readiness to work closely with the new council on a number of legal reforms planned for this year.
“I want to assure them that the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs is ready and willing to work with them, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, as we continue to collaborate with all major stakeholder organisations,” Nandlall stated.
The Attorney-General noted that significant consultations are expected between his ministry and the Bar Association as government advances several legislative initiatives.
He said, “We have a lot of consultations to do with this association in relation to crucial legal reforms that are slated to take place during the course of this year.”
Nandlall was referring to the newly elected Bar Council, headed by Attorney-at-Law Arudranauth Gossai, who was elected President of the association following elections held during the body’s 47th Annual General Meeting on May 29. Former president Kamal Ramkarran was elected First Vice-President, while Teni Housty secured the position of Second Vice-President. The elections, conducted virtually via Zoom, recorded the highest attendance in the association’s history, according to the GBA. Gossai’s slate defeated a rival team led by attorney-at-law Darren Wade.
However, the outcome has since become the subject of controversy, with Wade threatening court action over what he alleges were serious irregularities in the electoral process. He has argued that attorneys employed by the State were permitted to vote despite not being engaged in private practice, contrary to the association’s rules. Wade has also raised concerns about transparency, including access to voter lists, election procedures and the conduct of the virtual voting process.
Wade has publicly declared that he intends to challenge the election results in court, maintaining that the process was flawed and that objections raised by his camp were ignored.
Commenting on the prospect of legal proceedings, Nandlall made it clear that he is not preoccupied with the matter.
“I see there is some legal threat, well, rather threat to legal action. But I’m not concerning myself with that,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the Bar Association’s ability to defend the integrity of its own elections should the matter proceed before the courts.
“The Bar Association is more than competent to defend its electoral process,” Nandlall added.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Nandlall emphasised that his focus remains on engaging constructively with the newly elected executive as government pursues key reforms within the justice sector.
“This is an executive that I have to work with, and I am prepared to do so,” he stated.
The newly elected council also includes Yashmini Singh as Secretary, Samuel Glasgow as Treasurer, Mohanie Anganoo as Assistant Secretary, and council members Robin Stoby, SC, Jamela Ali, SC, Horatio Edmondson, Rea Harris, Chevy Devonish and Ron Motilall.
The Bar Association of Guyana is the recognised body representing the interests of attorneys in Guyana. Membership is voluntary and comprises of attorneys admitted to practice law in Guyana.
Major reforms are on the horizon for Guyana’s legal profession, including amendments to the Legal Practitioners Act, the introduction of continuing legal education, stronger disciplinary measures for errant practitioners, and safeguards to address the issue of unqualified individuals, or “quacks,” operating within the legal system. The reforms, which have the support of both the Government and the judiciary, are aimed at making the legal profession more accountable, improving professional standards, and restoring public confidence in the administration of justice.
