‘Pilot’ electronic court case management system launched

In an effort to revolutionise the manner in which cases are handled by the courts and reduce backlogs, an electronic court case management system was launched for the Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday.

For now, the ‘pilot’ system will be utilised by the Diamond/Grove Magistrate’s Court. It is expected to be expanded to other magistrates’ courts across the country in the near future.

The initiative was implemented by the National Centre of State Courts and the Judiciary of Guyana with support from the United States (US0 Department Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

It will aid the courts ‘tremendously’ in the flow and management of cases from filing to disposition in an integrated manner. The system has been in the making for more than two years.

In his remarks, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC said the system goes hand-in-hand with the government’s aim of replacing manual transactions with digital processes.

“I have no doubt with the efficient management that I know the judiciary is capable of, this pilot project will be successful and we will move to replicate it across the country in the other magistrates’ court as well as we will engage the entire judiciary system in a similarly constructed and designed management information and case filing system,” Nandlall said.

With improved financial and economic fortunes, Nandlall said the government is capable to push Guyana along the transformational road in keeping with the advancement of technology.

“So please continue to pursue these and other important transformational initiatives conceived and designed to bring greater efficiency to our justice system so that the people of Guyana can continue to receive an improved service from this important state institution,” the Attorney General urged those gathered, including members of the judiciary.

According to Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, the Supreme Court of Judicature in Guyana is on a “transformational” trajectory as it relates to the utilisation of technology to enhance the efficiency of the administration of justice in the courts.

“This launch represents tangible evidence of our commitment in this regard as we continue to be more responsive to the needs of our court customers.

“Our system, as designed by the business committee is an end-to-end integrated system starting with the filing of cases by the police to the receipt of orders of court by the prison service,” the acting Chief Justice said.