CHIEF Justice (ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards was yesterday sworn in as a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).The swearing-in ceremony, a simple affair, took place at the Ministry of the Presidency, where Justice Cummings-Edwards took the oath before President David Granger.
Witnessing the event were Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams; Chancellor (ag) Carl Singh; Retired Justice Prem Persaud; other officials and special invitees.
An Appeal Court Judge for many years, Justice Cummings-Edwards, who began her law career in 1988, is the second woman to be appointed to the position of Chief Justice. The first was Justice Desiree Bernard.
The JSC is responsible for making appointments across the judiciary, and disciplining judges and magistrates.
The Chancellor of the Judiciary acts as Chairman of the Commission, and according to President David Granger, the appointment is significant, since the government has taken measures to strengthen the autonomy of the judicial system here.
He further assured the chancellor that the government will work towards preserving the integrity of the JSC, and the confidence and competence of members of the judiciary.
To Justice Cummings-Edwards, he said:
“I’m confident in your ability to discharge your functions without fear of favour, affection of ill will.”