According to Chief Justice, Roxane George, there are reports circulating which imply that government has ordered the closure of the Supreme Court of Judicature, which comprises of the High Court and Appeal Court. This could never be the case, Justice George made it clear this morning, as she rubbished those statements, deeming them “mischievous and nonsense.” The Chief Justice, however, did not name and shame these persons.
On Thursday, the court’s Registrar, Suenna Lovell, issued a notice informing litigants, lawyers and staff that due to the recent discovery of the Corona Virus (COVID-19) in Guyana, the court will close at 13:00hrs today to facilitate fumigating and sanitizing exercises of its building and environment as a precautionary method.
Justice George said that given the discovery of the deadly virus, the court has to safeguard its staff and everyone else who uses it. She added that Guyana is not the only country to take precautionary measures against the virus. The same thing, according to her, is being done right across the Caribbean. The Chief Justice said that the court’s communication unit will issue a statement on the issue.
With regards to the Supreme Court of Judicature, Article 122 (A) of the Constitution states: “All court and all persons presiding over the courts shall exercise their function independently of control and direction of any other person or authority; and shall be free and independent from political, executive and any other form of direction and control.”
