Justice Kissoon Recuses Himself from GTU Contempt Case Against Senior Gov’t Officials
By Jayda Jeune | HGP Nightly News
Justice Sandil Kissoon has recused himself from presiding over the contempt proceedings brought by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) against senior government officials, including Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh.
The unions allege that the Attorney General, Finance Minister, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, and several Regional Executive Officers have deliberately disregarded a court order by failing to process deductions and remit payments. According to their legal team, this amounts to “flagrant and deliberate defiance of judicial authority and a reckless disregard for the rule of law.”
Attorney-at-law Darren Wade, representing the unions, said his clients’ return to the courts was necessary to enforce compliance. The unions are pushing for the strongest sanctions possible, including the committal of the named officials to prison.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General formally objected to Justice Kissoon’s continued involvement in the matter, arguing that because the proceedings are linked to his earlier rulings, “a fair-minded observer could reasonably conclude that the judge might subconsciously seek to defend his own orders.” This, he contended, undermines the principles of natural justice.
In response, Justice Kissoon recused himself and referred the case to Acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire Singh, who will now determine whether to take up the case herself, reassign it to Justice Kissoon, or appoint another judge.
Attorney Wade welcomed the continuation of the case despite the recusal, emphasizing that the unions are determined to pursue accountability. He stressed that repeated non-compliance not only strikes at the heart of the administration of justice but also violates the constitutional rights of teachers across the country.
The case, seen as one of the most closely watched industrial relations disputes in recent years, is expected to resume shortly under the direction of the Acting Chief Justice.
