Two Appeal Court judges sworn in

GEORGETOWN: President David Granger, Thursday  administered the Oath of Office to Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire and Justice Dawn Gregory who will serve as Judges on the Bench of the Court of Appeal. Also attended the simple ceremony were Prime Minister Moses V. Nagamootoo, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards along with family members. “This installation ceremony of judges is an affirmation of the government’s commitment to ensuring a judicial system that reflects the values of independence, impartiality and integrity,” the President said. He noted that the Executive branch of government has no interest in interfering in the work of the Judiciary, but seeks its preservation,“which is unbiased, unblemished and unmindful of personal prejudices”. “The Executive branch of Government also has no interest in interfering in the adjudicatory role of the Judiciary,” the President added. He said the Executive has taken steps to ensure the Judiciary does not feel beholden to the Government and the enactment of the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Act of 2015 provides for the first time financial autonomy of the Judiciary in accordance with the Constitution being one such step.

President Granger said the Government will continue to respect the authority and dignity of the Judiciary whose efficiency relies on there being a full complement of judges and magistrates.