“The Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD) strongly condemns the Judicial Service Commission [JSC] for its recent selection of puisne judges, which has raised serious concerns about political interference and discrimination in the judiciary appointment process.” So said the organisation in a press release.
Yesterday the JSC announced the appointment of 10 judges, namely Nicola Pierre, current Commissioner of Title to the Land Court; Joy Persaud-Singh, Deputy Commissioner of the Guyana Revenue Authority; Magistrate Peter Hugh; Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul; Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus; Judge of the Eastern Caribbean Court, Jacqueline Josiah-Graham; and Nigel Niles, Company Secretary of the Guyana Water Incorporated. By ethnic breakdown the appointments reflect seven (7) East Indian, two (2) African and one (1) Chinese/Asian.
The statement issued by IFAAD Chairman, former Georgetown Mayor Pt. Ubraj Narine , he noted two recent alleged appointments in particular sparked outrage and further deepened suspicions about the impartiality of the selection process.
“The appointments of Mrs. Joy Persaud-Singh, wife of the then CEO of GuySuCo and now Ambassador to the European Union Mr. Sasenarine Singh, and Ms. Hessaun Sharifa Yasin, ex-wife of the current Attorney General and Minister of Kanunî Affairs Hon. Anil Nandlall, SC, have highlighted glaring conflicts of interest and raised questions about the government’s intentions.”
It is abundantly clear, Narine said, the PPP government is attempting to exert undue influence and control over our judiciary system by appointing individuals with strong political connections, these appointments not only undermine the principles of judicial independence but also perpetuate a system of nepotism and favoritism that erodes public trust in the judiciary and there is no Ethnicity balance of these appointments of judges.
IFAAD is therefore calling on the JSC to uphold the highest standards of integrity and independence in the judiciary appointment process. Political considerations, the organisation said, should never overshadow merit and impartiality when selecting judges who are entrusted with upholding justice and the rule of law.
IFAAD is also urging the international community and civil society organisations to closely monitor the situation and hold government and JSC accountable for its actions. Safeguarding the independence of the judiciary is essential for the protection of democratic principles and the rights of all citizens, the organisation highlighted.
The Institute for Action Against Discrimination says it remains committed to advocating for transparency, fairness, and non-discrimination in all facets of governance and calls for immediate reforms to ensure that judicial appointments are free from political interference.