Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall on Thursday announced that the shortage of judges will soon be addressed as the government will be expediting the process to activate the Judicial Service Commission once the National Assembly reconvenes after its annual recess.
Nandlall, speaking at the recommissioning of the Mibikuri Magistrate’s Court, stated that he is aware that there is a shortage of judges in the system, which is causing tremendous difficulties in the judiciary, “affecting their ability to dispose of cases with the speed that they would like and I want to recognize that reality.”
According to him, Berbice has been without a land court judge for years, which is completely unacceptable. “However, I want to assure you that as soon as Parliament resumes, the process to activate the Judicial Service Commission will move swiftly.”
Nandlall said all the preparatory works have been done with one nominee outstanding—the chairperson of the Public Service Commission, who sits as an ex officio member of the Judicial Service Commission. “And I am aware that whatever has to be done in parliament has already been streamed-lined and as soon the National Assembly resumes that process will be expedited,” he added.
The JSC which has not been reconstituted since 2017, plays a critical role in the appointment of new magistrates and judges. In accordance with Article 198 (1) of the Constitution, the members of the Judicial Service Commission shall be—(a) the Chancellor, who shall be Chairman; (b) the Chief Justice; (c) the Chairman of the Public Service Commission; and (d) such other members referred to as… appointed members.
