The local judiciary will see the appointment of 10 Magistrates and nine Puisne Judges this year, says Guyana’s Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall.
The new addition of magistrates will see the overall total of these critical appointment moving from 19 to 29. Nandlall also told the House, during his contribution to Budget 2024, that two Commissioners of Title will also be installed, and well as the establishment of new position to accommodate the anticipated influx of cases.
Aside from appointments, the AG also informed the House about the notable developments in the construction of magistrates’ courts accross the country.
He said that on August 16, 2023, a magistrate’s court, with a price tag of $263 million was commissioned in Vigilance on the East Coast of Demerara.
Subsequently, on August 18, 2023, construction began on a $303.9 million magistrates court in Timehri on the East Bank of Demerara, marking the first occurrence in the country’s history where a court will be established in village.
Another significant milestone was reached on August 21, 2023, with the commencement of construction for a new $388.8 million magistrates court in Friendship on the East Bank of Demerara.
Once again, this represents the first instance in the country’s history where a court is being established there, the Minister said.
On October 2, 2023, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the construction of a $178.2 million magistrates court in Anna Regina, Region Two.
Furthermore, on December 6, 2023, a pilot case management system was launched for the magistrate court system. Upon successful implementation of the pilot program, the government will introduce an E-filing and E-case management across all magistrates’ courts in the country.
“That, Mr. Speaker, will bring speed, will bring modernity, and will bring a revolution to that sector,” Nandlall said.
