Justice Damone Younge sworn in as Court of Appeal Judge

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday officially swore in Justice Damone Younge as a Judge of the Court of Appeal, marking the completion of a slate of seven appellate appointments recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

The ceremony, held at the Office of the President, brought together senior members of the Judiciary, Executive, and legal fraternity, including acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Roxane George; acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh; Attorney General Anil Nandlall, and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack.

In brief remarks preceding the swearing-in, it was noted that the JSC had, in May 2025, recommended the appointment of seven Judges to the Court of Appeal. This was a historic expansion of the appellate bench. Five of those Judges were sworn in on May 24, 2025, while a sixth took the oath on December 23, 2025. Justice Younge’s appointment completes that process.

The other Judges include Justices Jo-Ann Barlow, Navindra Singh, Nareshwar Harnanan, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, and Joycelin Kyte-Thomas.

Acting under Article 128(1) of the Constitution and on the advice of the Commission, President Ali formally appointed Justice Younge to “execute the Office of Justice of Appeal” with effect from April 14, 2026.

Following the administration of the oath, President Ali underscored the critical role of the Court of Appeal within Guyana’s legal system, describing it as “a vigilant conscience… the system’s steady hand, its corrective voice, and its enduring memory”.

“It is there within the Appellate Court that the law should speak with greater clarity… where legal errors are examined without fear… and where legal principles are shaped with deliberation and care,” the Head of State said.

He emphasised that the appellate court serves as the apex of legal interpretation within the local judicial hierarchy, providing authoritative rulings that guide lower courts and ensure consistency in the administration of justice.

“This structure fosters respect for judicial decisions not through coercion but through reasoned authority. It assures the public that the law is not fragmented or contradictory but coherent in principle,” the President stated.

President Ali said Justice Younge’s elevation reflected the confidence placed in her “intellect, integrity, and judicial temperament”, noting that her appointment strengthens the Judiciary at a critical level.

He further charged the newly-sworn-in Appellate Judge to uphold the highest standards of fairness, consistency, and responsiveness in the application of the law.

“You now assume a role that demands not only legal acumen but also wisdom, restraint, and a profound sense of responsibility. Your words will carry weight beyond the cases before you. They will shape the contours of the law and influence the lives of countless citizens,” he said.

The President also highlighted the dual expectations of strength and humility required in the role, noting that Appellate Judges must demonstrate firmness in upholding legal principles while remaining conscious of the gravity of judicial authority.

Justice Younge now joins the appellate bench at a time when the court continues to play a pivotal role in refining and harmonising Guyana’s legal framework. Her appointment, President Ali said, places her within a “noble tradition” of jurists entrusted with safeguarding justice and advancing the rule of law in Guyana.

“May you contribute to the strengthening of our legal system and to the advancement of the rule of law in our nation,” the Head of State said, as he extended congratulations and best wishes for her tenure on the bench.

Justice Younge has nearly a decade of judicial experience on the High Court bench, having first been appointed a Puisne Judge in July 2017. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she served for many years at the Attorney General’s Chambers, where she held key roles including Public Trustee and Official Receiver, gaining extensive experience in civil and administrative legal matters.

Since her elevation to the High Court in 2017, Justice Younge has presided over a wide range of matters, including criminal trials during the Demerara Assizes and family law cases, demonstrating experience across both criminal and civil jurisdictions.

Over the years, she has been part of judicial panels hearing serious criminal matters, including murder and manslaughter cases, further strengthening her experience in high-stakes adjudication. Her work in the Family Court involved handling sensitive matters such as custody, guardianship, maintenance, and divorce proceedings, often emphasising mediation and timely resolution of disputes.