NEW YORK – Former Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana and current Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Hon. Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, delivered an emotional and inspiring acceptance speech after receiving a prestigious U.S. Congressional Award, dedicating the honor to the many people who helped shape her remarkable journey.

Standing before a distinguished audience of Guyanese in the diaspora, Justice Cummings-Edwards reflected on the sacrifices, perseverance and unwavering support that carried her from her hometown of Linden to the pinnacle of the Caribbean judiciary.

Quoting the celebrated poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, she reminded the audience that greatness is seldom achieved overnight.