Backlog of cases reduced but witness challenges persist – DPP

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mrs. Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, has expressed satisfaction with her office’s progress in significantly reducing the backlog of criminal cases over the past five years, while acknowledging persistent challenges that continue to affect the pace of prosecutions. Ali-Hack in a statement said some 126 cases are listed to be heard between January and March when the Demerara Criminal Assizes open on Tuesday.

This figure reflects a notable decline when compared to previous years. In January 2020, there were 318 cases listed; January 2021 saw 342 cases; January 2022 recorded 367 cases; January 2023 had 307 cases; January 2024 listed 259 cases; and January 2025 recorded 134 cases.

Ali-Hack attributed the reduction to sustained and focused efforts by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to address both the longstanding backlog and newly instituted matters. She noted that the objective has been to ensure that accused persons awaiting trial have their matters heard within a reasonable time, in keeping with the Constitution of Guyana.

“We are proud of the backlog that we have cleared so far and continue to do so. It is a work in progress,” the DPP said.

She further assured that the Office of the DPP remains committed to reducing the backlog of criminal cases not only in Demerara, but also in the Berbice and Essequibo Criminal Assizes.

While acknowledging and thanking the Guyana Police Force for its support in advancing this objective, Mrs. Ali-Hack highlighted ongoing challenges that continue to impact the prosecution of cases. Top among these, she said, is the difficulty faced by police in locating witnesses and accused persons who have been granted bail.

“In some instances, persons have moved, and in other instances, incorrect addresses were given to the police at the time of their investigations,” she stated.

The DPP emphasised that greater attention must be paid to verifying the accuracy of addresses at the investigative stage, noting that reliable contact information is critical to ensuring witnesses and accused persons are available when matters are called for trial.

“Ascertaining the accuracy of addresses of witnesses and accused persons during investigations is critical to the prosecution of cases,” she stressed.