Lily Maxwell
A press statement from the Governor’s office stated Justice Cummings-Edwards brings over 37 years’ experience across the judiciary, having served at the highest levels in Guyana, including as Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary and previously as Chief Justice.
Madame Justice Cummings-Edwards will officially assume office on May 1, 2026, succeeding Her Ladyship Mabel Agyemang, who demitted office at the end of March 2026 after serving since 2020.
In the interim, Her Ladyship Tanya Lobban Jackson will act in the role of Chief Justice, ensuring continuity within the Judiciary during the transition.
The new Chief Justice has led significant judicial modernisation initiatives including the digitisation of court systems, strengthening of case management processes and expanding access to justice, particularly for remote and underserved communities. She has also been instrumental in advancing specialised courts and restorative approaches to justice, while championing judicial training and institutional capacity building. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to judicial independence, integrity and the efficient administration of justice.
Commenting on the appointment, Her Excellency the Governor said: “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 said: “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 advice 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, stated: “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 another significant moment in TCI’s judicial history, as it also brings the second Caribbean woman to the post, (the first being Jamaican Margaret Ramsay-Hale) underscoring a continuing shift toward greater regional and gender representation at the highest level of the Judiciary.
The incoming Chief Justice joins a distinguished line of women who have led the judiciary in Turks and Caicos Islands for more than a decade.
Her Ladyship Ramsay-Hale made history in 2014, serving until 2020, then her tenure was followed by that of Chief Justice Agyemang, whose leadership further solidified the presence of women at the helm of the Judiciary.
