A press assertion from the Governor’s workplace said Justice Cummings-Edwards brings over 37 years’ expertise throughout the judiciary, having served on the highest ranges in Guyana, together with as Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary and beforehand as Chief Justice.
Madame Justice Cummings-Edwards will formally assume workplace on May 1, 2026, succeeding Her Ladyship Mabel Agyemang, who demitted workplace on the finish of March 2026 after serving since 2020.
In the interim, Her Ladyship Tanya Lobban Jackson will act within the function of Chief Justice, making certain continuity throughout the Judiciary in the course of the transition.
The new Chief Justice has led vital judicial modernisation initiatives together with the digitisation of courtroom techniques, strengthening of case administration processes and increasing entry to justice, significantly for distant and underserved communities. She has additionally been instrumental in advancing specialised courts and restorative approaches to justice, whereas championing judicial coaching and institutional capability constructing. Her profession displays a sustained dedication to judicial independence, integrity and the environment friendly administration of justice.
Commenting on the appointment, Her Excellency the Governor stated: “This appointment follows a rigorous and highly competitive process, from which Hon. Justice Cummings-Edwards emerged as an exceptional candidate. I am confident that her extensive judicial experience, demonstrated leadership and unwavering commitment to the rule of law 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 Hon. 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.”
In accepting the appointment, Hon. Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards stated: “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.”
The appointment was made on the recommendation of the Judicial Services Commission, Neville Adderley, KC, chairman, Dame Janice Pereira and Justice Carlos Simons, KC.
Chair of the Judicial Services Commission, Justice Neville Adderley, said: “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, the Rt Hon Dame Janice Pereira and the Hon Mr. Justice Carlos Simons K.C (Ret’d) are content that we have fulfilled that promise with this appointment.”
The appointment represents one other vital second in TCI’s judicial historical past, because it additionally brings the second Caribbean lady to the submit, (the primary being Jamaican Margaret Ramsay-Hale) underscoring a unbroken shift towards better regional and gender illustration on the highest stage of the Judiciary.
The incoming Chief Justice joins a distinguished line of girls who’ve led the judiciary in Turks and Caicos Islands for greater than a decade.
Her Ladyship Ramsay-Hale made historical past in 2014, serving till 2020, then her tenure was adopted by that of Chief Justice Agyemang, whose management additional solidified the presence of girls on the helm of the Judiciary.
