By Kurt Campbell
Kurt@newsroom.gy
Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Roxane George, has described her appointment as both a profound honour and a rare moment in Guyana’s judicial history, reflecting on the uncommon path that saw her follow in the footsteps of her late father, former Chancellor Kenneth George, while paying tribute to her immediate predecessor, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, for decades of service to the bench.
Delivering remarks at the Opening of the Law Year 2026, Justice George said she did not expect that she would be appointed Acting Chancellor, noting that the responsibility of leading the judiciary was one she accepted with humility and deep gratitude.
“I am deeply honoured to have been appointed to lead the judiciary of Guyana,” she said, thanking judicial colleagues, court staff, and justice sector partners for their continued support under often challenging circumstances.
On a personal note, Justice George underscored the rarity of her appointment, particularly as a woman assuming the same high judicial office once held by her father.
“As I reflected on my appointment, I thought it must be rare that a child, more especially a girl child, would follow in her father’s footsteps to serve in this esteemed capacity as head of judiciary,” she said.
She recalled the legacy of her father, former Chancellor Kenneth George, whose judicial robes she now wears, and expressed gratitude to her family for the support that enabled her to flourish in what she described as an extremely demanding profession.
“I thank my heavenly Father and cherish the memory of my earthly father… and express my gratitude to my husband, children, mother, siblings, other family members and my few but very dear friends for their love, care and support over the years,” Justice George said, as she pledged to serve with humility, impartiality, patience and integrity.
In the same address, the Acting Chancellor paid glowing tribute to former Acting Chancellor Justice Yonnette Cummings-Edwards, who demitted office after 25 years of service to the judiciary.
Justice George credited Justice Cummings-Edwards with significant institutional development, including the construction of court buildings and residential quarters, the establishment of specialised courts and new magisterial districts, improvements in the use of technology within the court system, and the launch of the judiciary’s strategic plan.
“The Judiciary and the staff of the Supreme Court of Judicature thank Chancellor Cummings-Edwards for her service and wish her well in her retirement,” she said.
Previously, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand also reflected on the symbolism of Justice George’s appointment, drawing attention to the family behind the historic moment.
Manickchand noted that Justice George not only took her oath as Acting Chancellor, but also administered the oath of office to President Irfaan Ali, giving legal effect to the will of the electorate.
However, she said the moment also called for recognition of Justice George’s mother, Hazel George, the wife of former Chancellor Kenneth George and the mother of Chancellor Roxane George of the Judiciary.
“Pause for a moment and think of and let us celebrate Mrs Hazel George and the steadfast support and sacrifices she would have made over the years to give this nation two outstanding Chancellors,” Manickchand said. “We thank and salute you, Ma’am.”
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