Electronic Notice Boards along with other systems which will improve the efficiency of the courts and help to eliminate the backlog of cases were yesterday launched at the George-town Magistrate’s Court and hailed as a key advancement.
Speaking at the unveiling, the Acting Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire SC said that the first-of-its-kind digital notice boards at the court mark another tangible demonstration by the Supreme Court of Judicature in Guyana towards more efficiency. She said that it signifies the digital transformation of the judiciary and stated that with the COVID-19 pandemic at hand, it is of paramount importance that these steps are taken.
The new systems at the court are part of a $19 million multi-year project, Gloria Richards Johnson, Director of the Judicial Reform and Institutional Strengthening (JURIST) programme explained. She attended virtually and during her address she said that JURIST is elated at the numerous technological advancements that can be seen in the court rooms. She said that the advancements will benefit the court and everyone it serves as it will result in efficiency and assist with reducing delays and the backlog of matters. Further, she said that it is a perfect example of what the JURIST project is all about. JURIST has been working with judiciaries in the Caribbean to support, modernise and strengthen the court systems.
Chancellor of the Judi-ciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edward said that four electronic notice boards, digital audio recording units, public address systems, Skype units and 15 additional computer systems and laptops, are now at the court with the help of the High Commission of Canada and the JURIST project. The new accoutrements will make management of the court much easier. She said that court goers will know the status of their court cases and the equipment will help with case management and eliminate the backlog of matters.
She added, “the judiciary of Guyana is a grateful recipient of this equipment and tools from the JURIST project.” She said that this is among several court projects which are to be seen in the coming months. The Chancellor then disclosed that several courts including one at Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, are to be established.
Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, on behalf of the magistrate’s court, thanked JURIST and Global Affairs Canada for the initiative.
Other attendees at the event were Mark Berman, the High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana; Attorney General, Anil Nandlall SC; the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack SC; the Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie and Assistant Superintendent of Police Shellon Daniels.
Upon entering the court compound, persons can see the notice boards at the entrance and one each at the three steps which lead to the courtrooms around the court. The boards display the complainant, the defendant, the courtroom and the magistrate that each matter will be heard before. The board also indicates by use of a colour code the matters that are yet to be heard, adjourned and completed. The technology was developed by local programmers. The information provided on the boards is updated daily at midnight. There is also a public address system which makes it easier for persons to hear their names being called for matters without the police having to leave the courtroom. In addition, the audio recordings used in the courtrooms will allow for easier collection and storage of information by the court.
