‘The judiciary must remain functionally independent’ – PM Phillips

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving the independence of Guyana’s judiciary, stressing that the executive plays no role in determining who is appointed to judicial office or how the courts function.

The prime minister made the remarks on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony for six new magistrates and five commissioners of title at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in Liliendaal.

At the event, the appointees took their oaths of office.

The new magistrates are Ocelisa Marks, Nikkisha Logan, Jimelle Joseph, Shareefah Parks, Taneisha Saygon and Caressa Henry.

The five commissioners of title are Deputy Registrar Alicia Lowenfield, Magistrates Annette Singh, Alisha George and Shivani Lalaram, along with Attorney-at-law Utieka John.

While addressing members of the judiciary, legal fraternity, and government officials, PM Phillips said the government continues to provide unprecedented levels of support to the judiciary and fully respects the constitutional separation of powers.

“We do not control the judiciary. We do not determine whom they appoint. We do not determine how they function. The judiciary must remain functionally independent. It is a fundamental constitutional concept which we embrace,” the prime minister said.

He explained that the executive’s responsibility is to ensure the judiciary has the financial, technological, and physical resources needed to administer justice effectively.

Prime Minister Phillips noted that from 2020 to 2026, the government has made the largest investment in the judiciary since Guyana attained independence.

“More courthouses have been built and rehabilitated, litigation is now almost wholly electronic in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice, and the executive has worked with the judiciary to ensure the appointment of the greatest number of judicial officers since independence,” he said.

The prime minister also underscored the critical role of a strong and independent judiciary in supporting national development and investor confidence.

“Investors, both local and international, are severely influenced by the state of this crucial arm of government. After all, the safety of their investments lies with a competent, independent, and reliable judiciary,” the prime minister expressed.

Prime Minister Phillips congratulated the appointees and urged them to discharge their duties with integrity, professionalism, and efficiency as they take on their responsibilities in the administration of justice.