More than 100 pieces of new legislation were drafted and passed and the Laws of Guyana were revised after a 34-year hiatus under the US$35M Justice Modernisation Project which formally came to an end at a re-commissioning ceremony held at the Wales Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
The funds for the project, which was implemented over the last five years, were sourced via a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a report from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall said too almost every court building in Guyana, from Crabwood Creek to Charity and from Lethem to Linden was refurbished or expanded under the project. In most instances new buildings were erected,
as in this case, he told senior members of the judiciary and members of the public in his address at the ceremony. Further, at Linden and Lethem works are being completed and those courts shall be opening soon.
“We believe in the government that there is a strong connection between economic advancement and the justice system. In fact, I’m of the firm view that intellectual paralysis, social stagnation and economic degradation will befall any society that in any subtle form attempts to deny its people freedom and justice, and I’m fortified in that view, by looking at the human experiences itself,” Nandlall said.
The minister also refuted claims by some members of the opposition that the judiciary was subservient to the executive, GINA said.
“When we want to make these statements we must put them in a context, and we must reflect on our own history because it is important that when we occupy certain positions for the benefit of all the people we must be taken seriously when we make pronouncements,” he said. According to the attorney general at no time during the course of the independent history of Guyana has the judiciary been more secure, more resourced and more independent than it is today.
“… but one cannot condemn our system, condemn the integrity of our judges, condemn the integrity of our magistrates by making irresponsible statements that the judiciary is subject to the Executive, to the Legislature, it is not so, and it is my responsibility to reject that notion whenever it presents itself at least on behalf of this government, and I give that commitment to the people of this country on behalf of this government, the independence of the judiciary will be assured so long as the PPP/C administration holds the reins of Government of this country,” he said. Nandlall then implored those charged with utilising the new court to ensure that “justice must be equal and accessible to all irrespective of economic standing or economic location.”
Meanwhile, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Carl Singh said the Wales court is “a place where all are treated equally, and all are equal in the eyes of the law.” He also said that the magistracy is not designed to inflict or perpetuate wrongdoings and if instances of such actions are uncovered they will be dealt with condignly. Singh further informed persons who believed that they have suffered an injustice that they have recourse in the Court of Appeal and via his office.
