Chief Justice (Ag.) Roxane George is set to take on the additional responsibilities of Chancellor of the Judiciary, as confirmed by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, during his weekly commentary on Tuesday night.
Nandlall described this as a “productive move,” noting that President Dr. Irfaan Ali intends to designate Justice George to act in this capacity due to the ongoing absence of a substantive appointment. The positions of Chancellor and Chief Justice in Guyana have remained vacant for nearly two decades because of a constitutional requirement for agreement between the President and the Leader of the Opposition, a consensus that has proven elusive.
President Ali reached out to Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton on July 4, requesting a response by July 15, but has yet to receive any reply. Nandlall emphasized the need for meaningful dialogue, stating, “One hand cannot clap. There must be a meaningful response… You can’t have consultation without participation.”
This development means that Justice George, who has served as acting Chief Justice since 2017, will now also oversee the Court of Appeal as Chancellor. The last substantive Chancellor, Justice Desiree Bernard, vacated the position in 2005 when she was appointed to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Since then, several distinguished jurists, including Justices Carl Singh and Yonette Cummings-Edwards, have filled the role in an acting capacity amid ongoing political stalemate.
The Ali administration maintains that the Constitution permits the President to act if reasonable consultation attempts are made. Nandlall pointed out that judicial guidance suggests both parties must engage sincerely in the process.
The decision to have Justice George assume both roles aims to restore stability within the judiciary. “We can’t continue to have these key offices in limbo forever,” Nandlall argued, underscoring the urgency of filling these critical judicial positions.
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