GEORGETOWN, Guyana — President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday announced that Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, will proceed on pre-retirement leave effective Monday, October 27, 2025, and has requested early retirement.
In a video address shared on his official Facebook page, President Ali confirmed his approval of her request and extended gratitude for her decades of service to the Judiciary and the nation.
“Today, Madame Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards requested my approval to proceed on pre-retirement leave with effect from Monday, October 27, 2025, and on early retirement. After due consideration, I acceded to this request. I take this opportunity to thank Madame Justice Cummings-Edwards for her long service to the Judiciary and the people of Guyana. I express my personal appreciation for her many years of public service. I wish her God’s blessings and that of the people of Guyana,” President Ali said.
Justice Roxane George, who has been serving as Acting Chancellor, will continue to perform duties in that capacity.
Meanwhile, Justice Navindra Singh will continue to act as Chief Justice. President Ali also revealed that Justice Singh was sworn in on Friday as a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), the constitutional body responsible for appointments and disciplinary control within the Judiciary.
Justice Cummings-Edwards, who began her judicial career in 2002, has served the bench for over two decades and became Guyana’s first female Chancellor in 2017. Her tenure has been marked by efforts to modernize the Judiciary, enhance case management systems, and strengthen judicial independence.
Despite repeated attempts over the years to confirm both top judicial positions—Chancellor and Chief Justice—the appointments have remained in an acting capacity due to the constitutional requirement for agreement between the President and the Leader of the Opposition.