Key stakeholders are geared to strengthen the criminal justice system in Guyana after a Canadian-hosted three-day seminar concluded on Friday last.
The workshop, hosted by representatives of the Justice Education Society of BC (JES), commenced early last week following visits by JES Executive Director Richard Craig and Judge of the Provincial Court of British Columbia Michael Hicks.
The duo arrived in the country last week Sunday and met representatives from Guyana’s criminal justice system including law enforcement, the judiciary and the courts for two days. According to a release from the Canadian non-profit organisation, the men wanted to have a grasp of the Guyanese context before embarking on the three-day seminar.
The seminar involved stakeholders from the criminal justice system and was coordinated by the High Commission of Canada and the United States Embassy. The release said the seminar was held under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, a partnership programme launched in April 2009 by US President Barack Obama.
The seminar closed with a reception hosted by Canadian High Commissioner Nicole Giles. During the close, Gile noted that strong economic growth within a country needed to be supported by a strong justice system. Furthermore, addressing insecurity while advancing freedom, democracy, rule of law, and human rights was noted as a priority for the Canadian government.
The release added that the closing was attended by law enforcement, members of parliament and the civil society and the private sector. Discussions were also held on the opportunities for strengthening Guyana’s criminal justice system.
According to the release, the JES mission is to build stronger communities by promoting understanding of, access to, and confidence in justice systems both in Canada and abroad. JES was established in 1989.
