‘Access to justice not a privilege, a right’- President Ali says as $447M Deeds/Commercial Registries office opens at Suddie

After being affected by space constraints for several years, a modern $447 million facility was commissioned at Suddie to house the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority sub-registry office.

The office, which processes tens of thousands of transactions annually, was housed on the ground floor of the Suddie High Court.

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday commissioned the building, which adds to the region’s latest infrastructure. It provides crucial services, including business registration and resolution of land disputes.

The three-story structure was designed to offer legal land and business transactions to residents in Region Two. Its amenities include office space, elevators, storage vault for documents, and a parking facility.

Delivering the keynote address, President Ali said access to justice is not about resolving disputes but creating an environment where investors are safe, contracts are continued, and property rights are protected.

“Access to justice is not a privilege, it is a right. And it is one that we must guarantee for every citizen of this country. It is not just about laws on paper or courtrooms filled with legal arguments.

“Justice is about fairness. It is about ensuring that every man, every woman, every small business owner, and every family, no matter where they are in Guyana, can access the legal services they need to live with dignity and security,” Dr Ali said.

According to Dr Ali, efforts are ongoing to modernise the country’s infrastructure. In doing this, he said no effort has been spared in decentralising and enhancing the legal system to ensure justice is accessible to all, ensuring swift and efficient service.

“At times, the system is so sluggish that simple matters can become drawn-out, costly affairs.

“This is not just an inconvenience; it is a barrier to economic growth and a denial of justice for those who cannot afford delays. We cannot afford a legal system that struggles to keep pace,” President Ali said.

Looking forward, Dr Ali said the services of the Deeds and Commercial Registries will be integrated with the Caribbean region.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, in his remarks, said the government’s intention is to ensure that the services offered by the Deeds and Commercial Registries are available in every region of the country.

“No longer will important services only be accessible in Georgetown.

“Every time you take a loan from the bank and it has to be secured by a mortgage it is this registry that has to do that…every time you do a power of attorney to apply someone to conduct any business that you can’t do personally, it is this registry that has to execute that document….If you want to change your name, it is here that you have to come,” Nandlall explained.