The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is deeply saddened by the passing of the Honourable Madame Justice Desiree Bernard on 28 March 2024.

Madame Justice Bernard embodied the ideals of distinguished professional advancement, gaining stellar academic qualifications in jurisprudence and blazing a trail as the first woman to be appointed to many significant roles, including Justice of the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Guyana; Chief Justice of Guyana; the Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana; and Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice.

Her focused advocacy for the rights of women saw her involvement at the highest levels in women's organizations, as well as through contributions to legislative reform. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, in 2005 she was awarded the CARICOM Triennial Award for Women, recognising her as a Caribbean woman of distinction for landmark contributions to women's development.

The Community has lost a luminary, whose legacy represents exceptional contributions to the regional judiciary and commitment to gender equality.

We extend heartfelt condolences to her family members, the Government and People of Guyana, and the regional and global legal fraternity.

May her soul rest in peace.