A new $239.8 million magistrate’s court and living quarters were commissioned yesterday at Port Kaituma, Region One, a Department of Public Information (DPI) release said.
The facility, the first of its kind in the area, will serve approximately 800 residents of Port Kaituma and a broader population of 18,000 across the region. It replaces the arrangement where court sessions were held in Matthews Ridge and most recently, the police station.
This development, the DPI noted, addresses longstanding challenges, including the burden of travel for legal services, which often strained resources, posing barriers for those who needed justice most. It also serves as a statement that justice should be close to home by ensuring access for all. The unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Friday and was led by the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall SC, and Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill.
Also present were Regional Vice-Chairperson, Anasha Peters, and Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards.
Nandlall during his address reiterated the government’s commitment to the rule of law and the constitutional rights of every Guyanese, regardless of their geographical location. Remarking that years ago, such a facility would have been deemed impossible, the Minister assured of government’s commitment to ensure that the highest quality of judicial services are delivered to the people where so ever they are located.
The building includes modern amenities, a spacious courtroom, and three living quarters for the magistrate, court clerk, and staff. It will also service domestic violence cases, probation, and social work, further demonstrating the judiciary’s responsiveness to public needs.
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, posited that the court will reduce bottlenecks in the judicial system, leading to greater efficiency.
“The opening of this Magistrate’s Court marks a meaningful fulfilment of a promise made to the people within this catchment area. It represents a critical expansion within the judicial network of Guyana by addressing the growing needs of our citizens”, he said.
According to the release, similar facilities are set to be opened in Mabaruma and Mahdia shortly.
