Three temporary magistrates were sworn-in yesterday and commended for their commitment to serve Guyana.
Haymant Ramdhani, Faith Mc Gusty and Nigel Hawke in taking their oaths in the presence of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Carl Singh and Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang were urged to live up to their pledge to perform their duties without fear or favour, affection or ill will.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release the ceremony was held at the Office of the Prime Minister and the three were accompanied by family members and well-wishers.
The GINA release said that the Prime Minister said how elated he was to welcome the three to the magistracy which he considers a very important position.
“We live in a society where there is need for persons to take up these posts and as the oath they have just sworn says … they should perform their functions without fear or favour, affection or ill will”, the Prime Minister was quoted by GINA as saying.
Justice Singh, also used the occasion to congratulate the trio and joined the Prime Minister in urging the magistrates to bear in mind the oath to discharge their obligations.
He said that he is confident that they will do so since their appointments were made without any difficulties by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
The Chancellor also used the occasion to reflect on the need to make adequate financial provision for the well-being and comfortable work environment of magistrates, which he said government has been making, despite challenges.
According to GINA, the chancellor said that “There have been fair budgetary allocations and I will be the first to say that we understand some of the financial constraints that perhaps affect us here in Guyana”.
The release added that Court Three of the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, Reliance in Essequibo and Number 51 Village, Corentyne, Berbice are some of three areas which the Acting Chancellor said need attention.
He added that some of the administrative difficulties which faced the new court at Fort Wellington, West Berbice have been resolved and it will become functional in a few weeks
Meanwhile, budgetary provisions have been made for the establishment of a new Magistrate’s Court at Charity, Region Two, the release added.
