Judiciary to get 17 judges to tackle case backlog

Guyana’s judiciary is expected to get 17 judges within the next three months and this will likely address the case backlog. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, announced this on ‘Issues in the News’ this week.

“So, you have 12, the largest complement of judges ever added to an existing status of judges…and then we have about five more who are likely to be appointed at the Court of Appeal. So, in three months, you will have 17 additional judges. That must have a monumental impact on efficiency and speed in the judicial system,” Nandlall said.

He also outlined several measures being implemented to enhance the judiciary and pointed to the recently assented Court of Appeal legislation, which aligns with the government’s aim of increasing the complement of judges. The act allows for the number of appellate court judges to be increased from five to nine.

Three new Commissioners of Title for Land Courts in Berbice and Suddie were also sworn in April. These changes aim to improve judicial efficiency and speed.

Other improvements include automatic voice recording systems replacing manual note-taking and an electronic filing system to streamline court processes. Additionally, e-courts at prison centers now allow remote hearings, saving money and enhancing security.

The Attorney General stated that these are initial steps, with more improvements expected soon.