By Samuel Sukhnandan
A special sitting of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) convened virtually on Thursday to celebrate the life and legacy of its first female judge, the late Honourable Justice Desiree Bernard.
Presided over by CCJ President, the Honourable Justice Adrian Saunders, the special sitting featured remarks from judges, academics, and members of the CCJ staff.
Justice Bernard was hailed as a trailblazer and passionate advocate for Caribbean jurisprudence, with a distinguished career of service to the legal system and public service.
Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, lauded Justice Bernard’s legendary accomplishments and contributions to the legal profession.
She emphasized Justice Bernard’s pivotal role in paving the way for women in the legal fraternity, mentoring many aspiring lawyers and judicial officers.
Justice Bernard’s illustrious career spanned several milestones. She became the first female judge of the High Court of the Supreme Court in Guyana and later the first female Justice of Appeal in 1992.
In 1996, she achieved another milestone by becoming the first female Chief Justice of Guyana and the Commonwealth Caribbean.
Subsequently, she was appointed the first female Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana and the Commonwealth Caribbean in 2001, a position she held until her retirement.
Additionally, she served as one of the first judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice from 2005 until her retirement.
Justice Desiree Bernard passed away on March 28 at the age of 85, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of judicial excellence and dedication to the advancement of justice in the Caribbean region.