The President, accompanied by the Attorney General  and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Mr. Carl Singh, Justice B.S. Roy and other members of the judicary, today unveiled the plaque to the $46 million, No. 51 Village Magistrate’s Court, East Berbice/Corentyne.

The Number 51 Village Magistrate’s court, Region Six

The President recounted hearing of untold suffering from people across the country who feel deprived of justice because they lack resources and contacts. Persons, he said, also complain frequently of others being released on bail even though they  are charged with committing serious offences or are repeat offenders. The consequence has been that many of those on bail commit  similar and even more serious offences or they threaten witnesses who then are fearful to testify and the cases fall apart.

Justice

“In those instances, the complainants claim that they are denied justice. It is difficult to disagree with them...While I recognise that I cannot interfere with how bail is granted, I feel compelled to draw these matters to the attention of the judiciary. These are some of the issues that lead to a loss of confidence in the judicial system. When the public loses confidence in the justice system, we will have major problems in our country,” the President said.

President Donald Ramotar delivering an address at the commissioning of the new Number 51 Village Magistrate’s Court, Region Six 

Efficiency

Further addressing the issue of efficiency within the judiciary, the President also noted that “billions of dollars of state revenue as taxes are also the subject of pending litigation. The impact of all this is that economic progress and financial activities are severely affected. The judiciary must continue to strive therefore to ensure that there is greater efficiency in the way that the system functions...we invest billions of dollars annually into the judicial sector because we recognise a connection between access to justice and the economic development of our country and the social progress of our people.”

The President emphasised that investors are more likely to invest in a country when they are assured that the judicial system can guarantee them quick results and justice in accordance with law if litigation arises. These include alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. In this regard, the President said,  mediation centres were established in Georgetown and New Amsterdam.

President Donald Ramotar cuts the ribbon to commission the new Number 51 Village Magistrate’s Court, Region Six. On his right is Attorney General, Anil Nandlall and on his left are Justice B.S. Roy and Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Carl Singh. Other legal personalities are also in photo 

President Ramotar also noted that Government has expended much resources seeking to broaden people’s access to justice. One such area has been developing the infrastructure, he said, and added that “over the last five years we have refurbished almost every court building right across the length and breath of this country.”

A new Magistrate’s Court is also scheduled for opening at Lethem, Region Nine within the next few weeks, while contracts have been awarded for construction of a building in the High Court compound in Georgetown to accomodate two Land Courts and a Registry.

Also on the cards is a  new building at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara to house two Magistrate’s Courts.

“We have increased the complement of High Court Judges from 12- to 20 and the new court houses  which are being constructed in the outlying regions of our country are now equipped with residential accommodation so that magistrates will be able to sit for longer periods in our hinterland,” he said.

These, and other improvements are being done even while the Government continues to ensure the judiciary remains independent.

“You will never see the PPP flag flying at any court building or any judicial area. It will remain independent of any political influence,” he stressed, adding that the judiciary is the place to which citizens can resort if they feel violated by anyone, including those in authority.

President Donald Ramotar and Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Carl Singh unveil the plaque to the magistrate’s court 

Cases backlog

The President also urged members of the judicary to work effectively and expeditiously to reduce the backlog of cases. He acknowledged that even though significant strides have been made, “the truth is that where ever I go, I receive complaints of cases pending in the system for years. This is unacceptable...we will continue to encourage the judicary to embark upon new initiatives that will foster greater speed in the system in order to minimise the delay we often hear about and the reduction of the backlog of cases.”

Attorney General Nandlall also underscored the many developments facilitated for the judiciary to improve its efficiency and remain independent. He too noted that the Courts must provide redress for everyone, especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.

He said that the history of Guyana and the world is one marred by struggle for freedom and justice, and once these liberties are secured there is economic and social development and the entire country progresses. 

President Donald Ramotar accompanied by Attorney General, Anil Nandlall and Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Carl Singh tour the new magistrate’s court 

“There is economic and social progress when there is a well-functioning justice system. The thrust of our justice system is accessibility for every citizen to justice. This Government ensures that resources are there to facilitate access to the justice system”.

He said, “That’s why we invest billions of dollars to ensure people of this country, where ever they are located can have access.”

Minister Nandlall added that,  “This Government assures you in Berbice, and all Guyanese, that the judicial system will forever remain independent, free of Government dictat. There was once a time when the Party flag of the ruling party in Government (the People’s National Congress), flew over the High Court of the land. Never again will that happen,” the Attorney General said.

Both Justice B.S. Roy and Chancellor Singh pointed out that the new building is a much needed replacement that will not only improve the working conditions of members of the judicary, but the environment of those seeking justice.

The Chancellor also spoke of the judiciary’s independence and noted that magistrates are often encouraged to be effective, fair and efficient.

“In any country where there is a functioning and effective court system, that is perhaps one of, but a good indicator of a strong democratic culture and an adherence to the rule of law and that is what this building we are about to open demonstrate,” he said.

The No. 51 Village Magistrate’s Court  was constructed next to the old court building by Ramesh Kissoon Contracting Company between February and August 2014.