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Former Chancellor appointed Chief Justice of Turks and Caicos Islands
(Kaieteur News) – Former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards has been appointed Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards
Governor of Turks and Caicos, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam announced the appointment of Justice Cummings-Edwards on Thursday. The governor said in a statement that the Chancellor brings over thirty-seven years’ experience across the judiciary, having served at the highest levels in Guyana, including as Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary and previously as Chief Justice. “She has led significant judicial modernisation initiatives including the digitisation of court systems, strengthening of case management processes and expanding access to justice, particularly for remote and underserved communities. She has also been instrumental in advancing specialised courts and restorative approaches to justice, while championing judicial training and institutional capacity building. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to judicial independence, integrity and the efficient administration of justice,” Daniel-Selvaratnam said in the statement.
Further commenting on the appointment, the Governor said, “This appointment follows a rigorous and highly competitive process, from which Justice Cummings-Edwards emerged as an exceptional candidate.
She asserted “I am confident that her extensive judicial experience, demonstrated leadership and unwavering commitment to the rule of law which will be instrumental in further strengthening the administration of justice and enhancing public confidence in our judicial system…I extend my appreciation to the Judicial Services Commission for its continued diligence and support. I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to the former Chief Justice, the Justice Mabel Agyemang, for her six years of distinguished service to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Her tenure was marked by significant and far-reaching reforms that strengthened the institutional capacity of the courts and improved access to justice. I wish her every success in her future endeavours.”
Chair of the Judicial Services Commission, Justice Neville Adderley stated: “Upon my appointment last year 2025 as Chairman of the Judicial Services Commission I stated and I quote ‘As Chairman of the Commission I will endeavour to cause Judges and judicial officers to be appointed who will maintain or improve this already high standard’ of the Judiciary. I and the other Commissioners, Dame Janice Pereira and the Mr. Justice Carlos Simons K.C (Ret’d) are content that we have fulfilled that promise with this appointment.”
In accepting the appointment, Justice Cummings-Edwards said: “I am honoured to be appointed Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands and grateful for the confidence placed in me. I look forward to working collaboratively with my judicial colleagues, the legal profession and justice-sector partners to build on the strong foundation established and to further strengthen the delivery of justice in a manner that is fair, efficient and accessible to all. I remain committed to upholding the rule of law and serving the people of these Islands with integrity and dedication.”
Cummings-Edwards will assume the office of Chief Justice on 1st May 2026 for a three-year term. In the interim period, Justice Tanya Lobban-Jackson will serve as Acting Chief Justice, ensuring continuity in the administration of justice.
Back in October last year amid reports of confusion in the judiciary Cummings-Edwards announced that she will be proceeding on early retirement. During a live broadcast, President Irfaan Ali had said that Justice Cummings-Edwards had requested to proceed on pre-retirement leave beginning Monday, October 27, 2025. “I take this opportunity to thank Madam 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,” President Ali had said.
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