Guyana’s judicial system has been strengthened with the appointment of six new High Court judges, in a move President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali described as another important step towards improving access to justice and enhancing the efficiency of the nation’s courts.
The six judges officially took the oath of office on Wednesday 1 July 2026 during a swearing-in ceremony at the Office of the President. The new appointees come from across the legal profession and include a former Registrar of the Supreme Court, a former Registrar of the Deeds and Commercial Registry, a former magistrate, an attorney-at-law and two former Commissioners of Title. Their appointments were made following recommendations from the Judicial Service Commission.
Addressing the gathering, President Ali said the expansion of the judiciary comes at a critical time, as more citizens become aware of their legal rights and increasingly turn to the courts to seek justice. He said the appointments reflect the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening the country’s judicial system and ensuring the courts are adequately equipped to meet growing public demand.
While acknowledging that Guyana has made progress in improving the administration of justice, the President said the judiciary, like many around the world, continues to grapple with a significant backlog of cases. He pointed out that prolonged delays can undermine public confidence in the justice system and leave litigants waiting years for matters to be resolved. The addition of six judges, he said, is intended to improve the courts’ capacity and accelerate the hearing and determination of cases.
President Ali also reminded the newly appointed judges that the timely delivery of justice is essential to maintaining public trust, urging them to approach their responsibilities with diligence, fairness and a strong sense of urgency. He emphasised that every matter concluded represents closure for individuals and families awaiting the outcome of their cases, adding that while the backlog will not disappear overnight, steady progress can be achieved through dedicated service.
The ceremony was attended by the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, the acting Chief Justice, the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, members of the Government and the judiciary, as well as relatives and well-wishers of the newly appointed judges. The report was filed for LRTVS Newswatch by Dylan Adams.
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