The sod was yesterday turned for a new magistrate’s court at Anna Regina to the tune of $178m.
The project to be done by Satar Mohamed and Sons Construction and Hardware Supplies is expected to be completed within 9 to 12 months. The consultant for the project is Kalyan Tiwari of Kalitech Inc Engineering.
Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall SC, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Yonette Cummings and Chief Justice (ag) Justice Roxane George SC, all participated in turning the sod to commission the construction of the Pomeroon-Supenaam court.
In his brief remarks, Nandlall, also the Attorney General, said that the project is yet another demonstration of the Government’s commitment to the rule of law and resourcing the judiciary in order to enhance access to justice for the citizens of Guyana.
“Since independence, the Magistrate’s Court at Anna Regina was accommodated at Anna Regina Police Station. For the first time it will get a new abode,” Nandlall said, according to a release from the Ministry of Legal Affairs.
The Legal Affairs Minister referenced several Magistrate’s Courts being constructed across the country and noted that brand new court buildings have already been constructed at Suddie and Charity.
A building is being constructed at Suddie to house the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority and living quarters and offices have already been constructed at Onderneeming to house prosecutors from the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Nandlall noted that these are all part of the transformational changes taking place, not only in the administration of justice in Region Two, but part of the general transformation in almost every area of endeavour in the region. Chancellor Cummings in her remarks thanked the government for continuing to support the judiciary and promised added numbers to the Magistracy to ensure speedy disposal of cases in the region.
Chancellor Cummings added that the construction would allow the removal of all impediments clogging the system in the region and would enable greater service to the people.
She used the opportunity to thank the Guyana Police Force for accommodating the courtroom over the years at Anna Regina.
She also said that a Judge is expected to be appointed soon for the Essequibo Coast.
Chief Justice George said that the building will ensure that there is greater access to the justice system and will expedite sittings. Justice George said staff members will be more comfortable delivering services to the people.
Regional Chairman, Vilma DeSilva and the Mayor of Anna Regina, Devin Mohan, also expressed gratitude for the project and expressed the hope that it will bring efficiency in the administration of justice in the region.
Also in attendance were the assigned Magistrates for Region Two,
Esther Sam and Faith McGusty.
