Since the Government of Guyana launched its special prosecutors programme, 60 or more of those persons are operating as prosecutors in the magistrates’ courts to ensure that the State’s interests are better represented.
Prior to this, the State had to rely, almost exclusively on police prosecutors.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, at the opening of the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court on Monday, praised the programme as “unique” and “historic” as it brings together holders of Bachelor’s of Law Degrees who are unable to complete their training at a regional law school, to do so at government expenses.
“The police prosecutors have done an excellent job because they have been doing this for decades and I want to recognise the sterling services they have rendered. But at the end of the day, they are not qualified to be pitted against some of the most seasoned criminal attorneys in our country,” Nandlall shared.
“And I’m not saying the special prosecutors are either, but all things being equal…the special prosecutors ought to be in a better place, and better be able to represent the State’s interests,” he added.
Careful to accept applicants from all magisterial districts, Nandlall said those trained are able to go back and serve in the communities in which they live.
One such prosecutor is Satyendra Persaud who was among the first 30 persons to be trained under the programme and who was sent back to Region Five to prosecute in the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court.
Persaud shared with the News Room his experience of being a young prosecutor and what helps him to come up against some of the most senior lawyers in the profession.
“Initially it was a challenge but I always had a passion for law. It could be quite challenging at times. However, having done law; at any time, if I have any questions, I can always reach out to senior ranks in the police force, the Commander…for guidance,” he expressed.
The programme is offered through the University of Guyana and equips holders of a Bachelor’s of Law Degree and third-year LLB students with the necessary knowledge and skillset to prosecute cases in the magistrates’ courts on behalf of the State.
