Lawyers must be held accountable for delays and slipping standards – Bar President

President of the Bar Association of Guyana, Kamal Ramkarran SC, has called for urgent reform of the disciplinary system governing lawyers, warning that accountability must apply not only to judges but also to attorneys whose conduct contributes to prolonged court delays.

Speaking at the Opening of the Law Year 2026 on Tuesday, Ramkarran said the legal profession cannot continue to complain about slow justice while ignoring the role lawyers play in delaying cases through lack of preparation and repeated adjournments.

“We cannot complain that cases take too long if it is the lawyers who are delaying them,” he said.

He pointed out that Guyana has no system of mandatory continuing legal education, meaning attorneys can technically practice for decades without ever updating their legal knowledge after law school.

Even more concerning, Ramkarran said, is the cumbersome and ineffective disciplinary process. He revealed that no lawyer has been suspended or struck off the roll under court rules in over 25 years, and possibly much longer.

“Systems must ensure that the highest professional standards are met,” he said.

“And if they are not met, consequences should flow.”

Ramkarran emphasised that accountability should be transparent and fair, applying equally to lawyers and judges. He argued that reliable audio and video transcripts for every hearing, timely written judgments, and publicly accessible databases of decisions would significantly improve transparency and trust in the justice system.

He also criticised the inefficient use of High Court judges’ time, noting that low-value claims—sometimes as little as US$500—can occupy High Court trials. He contrasted this with other Caribbean jurisdictions where petty debt courts and specialised tribunals handle such matters, freeing higher courts to deal with complex cases.

Addressing judicial accountability, Ramkarran said scrutiny of timelines, decisions, and reasoning is not an attack on judicial independence but rather an essential part of a healthy system.

“Justice becomes public and transparent when decisions are explained and delivered within a reasonable time,” he said.

He also reiterated his call for the substantive appointment of the Chancellor and Chief Justice, arguing that the continued use of acting appointments undermines institutional stability. Ramkarran said the Constitution allows the Opposition Leader to withhold agreement only for compelling and objective reasons, none of which exist in relation to the current officeholders.

“A judiciary premised on courage and efficiency will properly defend the Constitution and the rule of law,” he said, expressing hope that 2026 will mark the beginning of a judicial renaissance in Guyana.