In its recent affirmation of a $30 million award to Deorani Singh for breach of constitutional rights over the state’s compulsory acquisition of the former Sijan Plaza on Camp Street, Georgetown, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) chided the local judiciary for delays.
The Trinidad-based court of last resort for Guyana observed, among other things, that there was significant delay in the case and cautioned the judiciary to do its utmost to guard against the fostering of an attitude that there is insufficient concern and commitment to avoiding excessive delay.
The regional court found that the trial judge ignored Singh’s acceptance of the acquisition of the property and payment of compensation, and failed to take account of the impact of the delay.