Hon. Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, who previously served at the highest levels of Guyana’s judiciary, has been appointed Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam has announced.
The appointment was made further to the advice of the Judicial Services Commission, in accordance with section 87(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Justice Cummings-Edwards will assume office on May 1, 2026, for a three-year term. In the interim, Hon. Justice Tanya Lobban-Jackson will serve as Acting Chief Justice to ensure continuity in the administration of justice.
Justice Cummings-Edwards brings over 37 years of judicial experience to the role, having served at the highest levels of Guyana’s judiciary including as Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary and previously as Chief Justice. Throughout her distinguished career, she has led significant judicial modernisation efforts, including the digitisation of court systems, strengthening of case management processes, and expanding access to justice for remote and underserved communities. She has also been instrumental in advancing specialised courts and restorative justice approaches, while championing judicial training and institutional capacity building.
Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam praised the appointment, describing it as the outcome of a rigorous and highly competitive selection process.
“I am confident that her extensive judicial experience, demonstrated leadership and unwavering commitment to the rule of law will be instrumental in further strengthening the administration of justice and enhancing public confidence in our judicial system,” the Governor said.
She also extended gratitude to outgoing Chief Justice Hon. Justice Mabel Agyemang for six years of distinguished service marked by far-reaching reforms that strengthened the institutional capacity of the courts and improved access to justice.
Chair of the Judicial Services Commission, Justice Neville Adderley, said the appointment fulfils a commitment he made upon assuming the chairmanship in 2025 to appoint judges who would maintain or raise the already high standard of the territory’s judiciary a promise he said he and fellow Commissioners are confident has been kept.
In accepting the appointment, Justice Cummings-Edwards said she is honoured by the confidence placed in her and pledged to work collaboratively with judicial colleagues, the legal profession, and justice-sector partners to build on the strong foundation already in place.
“I remain committed to upholding the rule of law and serving the people of these Islands with integrity and dedication,” she said.
