By: Marvin Cato | HGPTV Nightly News | November 3, 2025
A heated exchange erupted between members of the Forward Guyana Movement, Amanza Walton-Desir and Nigel London, over the ongoing controversy surrounding the non-confirmation of two senior female judges to their substantive posts as Chancellor and Chief Justice.
Visibly frustrated during the debate, Walton-Desir accused the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration of engaging in discriminatory practices within the judiciary.
“This PPP/C government is bent on domination and control — and they are racist,” Walton-Desir declared passionately.
“I am a Black Guyanese woman, and I will call a spade a spade. They have a problem with two Black women being in position.”
Her comments referred to the government’s failure to confirm Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards as Chancellor and Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire as Chief Justice — despite prior indications that both appointments had the support of then Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton.
Walton-Desir expressed disappointment in the legal fraternity, particularly members of the Bar Association, whom she accused of remaining silent amid what she described as “blatant lawlessness” in the handling of judicial appointments.
“We’re not sugar-coating anything. I am disappointed that senior members of the bar have not decried this level of nastiness and lawlessness,” she said.
“I am disappointed that more people have not come out in support of Justice Cummings.”
Justice Cummings-Edwards, who recently proceeded on early retirement leave, was expected to retire in seven years. Walton-Desir questioned the circumstances surrounding her sudden departure and suggested that her removal was politically influenced.
“The fact that Aubrey Norton agreed to the confirmation of these two women means it was a non-issue. Nothing else but racism — there’s no other reason,” Walton-Desir contended.
When contacted by HGPTV Nightly News for a response, Attorney General Anil Nandlall dismissed Walton-Desir’s assertions and said he would address the matter further during his weekly program, Issues in the News, scheduled for Tuesday.
The fiery exchange underscores a growing national debate on judicial independence and ethnic equity within Guyana’s governance framework, as the country continues to grapple with the balance between political influence and institutional integrity.
