More Court of Appeal judges part of govt’s efforts to enhance justice delivery 

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips officially commissioned the new Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court on Friday, noting that the government is pursuing several ventures to improve access to justice in Guyana.

He called the commissioning of the $277.9 million court “a tremendous achievement” as well as “a testament to our Government’s dedication to ensuring that justice is accessible to all citizens, regardless of their location”.

Access to justice, the Prime Minister emphasised, represents a fundamental constitutional right that must be realised in practice, not just in principle.

“Our Government is deeply committed to ensuring that these rights and freedoms do not exist on paper only but are realised by our citizens.

“It is for this reason that our Government invests billions of dollars annually in our justice sector in order to advance the rule of law and ensure our people have access to a justice system that is competent, efficient, and impartial,” was quoted as saying in a release from his office.

He also told those gathered at the event of efforts to amend the laws to increase the number of judges at the Court of Appeal.

The Court of Appeal Act was recently amended to increase the number of judges sitting in this court to nine. Earlier in February, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall said the government is moving to amend the law further, so there would be 11 judges at the court.

This is expected to allow cases to be heard much faster.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister added that the court’s opening forms part of an extensive justice infrastructure programme that has seen remarkable progress nationwide. He reminded that the Government has invested significantly in infrastructure, technological capabilities, and capacity building to improve access to justice across the country.

In addition to the courts constructed and rehabilitated during 2021 to 2023 at Bartica, Kwakwani, Vigilance, Wales, and the Berbice and Georgetown High Courts, this year alone, the Government has completed the extension to the Court of Appeal, as well as the construction of the Port Kaituma and Mahaicony Magistrates Courts.

“We also commissioned the Mahdia Magistrates Court, and before the year is over, courts at Anna Regina, Friendship, Mabaruma, and Timehri will also be operational,” further noted in the release.

Additionally, the Prime Minister highlighted the practical advantages of the new facility, which features modern technological capabilities including video conferencing.

“These courts provide for cases to be heard by Zoom platforms, thereby removing the need for lawyers and litigants to appear in person. This saves time and money. Importantly, it allows prisoners to appear by Zoom from different prison centres across the country, saving the State millions of dollars in transportation expenses.”

The court development, Prime Minister Phillips explained, is part of a broader strategy for comprehensive development in hinterland communities