The sod was turned today for the construction of a modern Magistrate’s court to serve the Diamond/Grove East Bank Demerara area and its surrounding environs.
The Providence Magistrate’s Court currently deals with all cases stretching from Timehri to Agricola on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and this puts a tremendous burden on the judicial system, ultimately affecting access to justice.
The court will be constructed in the compound of the Golden Grove Police Station, located by Third Bridge in the heavily populated housing scheme and it will cost some $132 million.
Sueana Lovell, the Registrar of the Supreme Court, told the small gathering that the new facility will be the first court in Guyana to be equipped with an elevator.
The court will also feature two courtrooms, a library, two magistrates’ chambers, two clerks’ offices, a complete registry, a holding cell, briefing room, janitor’s room, and a bailiff bond.
Lovell said the idea to construct another court to service the East Bank Corridor was birthed by former Chancellor Justice Carl Singh.
The $132M contract was signed in November 1, 2017, however, the construction was delayed due to the inclement weather. The contract was awarded to PD Contracting Incorporated.
