Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Apr 05, 2015 News
The spanking new No. 51 Village Magistrate’s Court, at East Berbice Corentyne, was officially declared open by President Donald Ramotar on Thursday.
The commissioning ceremony attracted several high ranking legal practitioners, including Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh, Justice B.S Roy and Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall.
The No. 51 Village Magistrate’s Court, which cost $46M, was constructed next to the old court building, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.
In his address, the Head of State spoke on the issue of justice and its delivery. Ramotar reportedly told members of the Judiciary that justice must be blind so that people with money must not have more access to justice than the poor.
The court, he said, must be a major defender of the poor.
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.
”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.
A survey, which was conducted by the Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP) in keeping with the Caribbean Human Development Report 2102, showed that the justice system was among the least trusted institutions in Guyana.
The said survey also indicated that confidence in judicial institutions as well as the police declined sharply between 2012 and 2014.
Further addressing the issue of efficiency within the judiciary, the President said, “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 spoke too of the independence of the judiciary.
“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.
The Head of State 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.
”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.
The AG offered assurance that the judicial system will “forever remain independent, free of Government dictate.”
Both Justice B.S. Roy and Chancellor Singh said 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 independence of the judiciary. He 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.”
Where is the BETTER MANAGEMENT/RENEGOTIATION OF THE OIL CONTRACTS you promised Jagdeo?
Apr 19, 2024
SportsMax – West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews delivered a stellar all-round performance to lead her team to a commanding 113-run victory over Pakistan Women in the first One Day...Kaieteur News – For years, the disciples of Bharrat Jagdeo have woven a narrative of economic success during his tenure... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]