Mobile and mental health courts in judiciary’s seven-year plan

Chancellor Yonette Cummings-Edwards inspecting the guard of honour (Police photo)
Chancellor Yonette Cummings-Edwards inspecting the guard of honour (Police photo)

An ambitious seven-year strategic plan is being implemented that aims to transform the judiciary into a more modern, efficient and accessible system.

This was announced by acting Chancellor Yonette Cummings-Edwards during her remarks at the opening of Law Year 2025 at the Supreme Court of Judicature on Tuesday. This plan includes the expansion of specialised courts, investment in judicial education, and strategic partnerships with international stakeholders.

As part of the judiciary’s modernisation efforts, significant emphasis will be placed on expanding specialised courts. Beyond the existing criminal and civil courts, the judiciary has established family courts, commercial courts, sexual offences courts, land courts, and constitutional and administrative courts. Juvenile and traffic courts also remain key components of the system.

The initiative will see two new specialized courts introduced this quarter: a Mobile Court – aimed at increasing access to justice in remote areas; and a Mental Health Court – designed to address cases involving mental health.

According to the Chancellor, specialisation is central to bringing justice closer to the people while optimising the use of resources and ensuring accountability.

The judiciary has ramped up training for judges, magistrates, and judicial officers, through its Judicial Education Institute. Over the past year, partnerships with international organisations have facilitated training on cutting-edge topics such as competition law, technology in justice, and mental health.

The Chancellor thanked the European Union, the United States, and Canada for their contributions. Notably, the US has facilitated mental health training for judicial officers in collaboration with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) in Washington, DC, and the local US Embassy.

Acknowledging that technology is a cornerstone of the judiciary’s strategic plan, the Chancellor emphasised the importance of adopting digital solutions to improve efficiency and called on all stakeholders regardless of age or experience to embrace this digital transformation.

Community outreach initiatives will also be expanded in the coming months. Programmes to raise awareness of the judiciary’s services and reforms, are planned for the East Coast and West Bank of Demerara, as well as the Mahaica Creek region.

The Chancellor described the judiciary’s trajectory as one of intentional growth and excellence. She acknowledged the challenges of upward growth but reaffirmed the judiciary’s determination to overcome obstacles and deliver world-class services. “Our commitment to excellence in the administration of justice is unwavering… We are determined to meet the needs of a growing society, with justice as the cornerstone of our efforts.”

Looking ahead, the judiciary plans to continue collaborating with international partners to enhance restorative justice programmes and upgrade administrative and registry systems. In-house training and orientation programmes for judicial officers will remain a priority, ensuring that the judiciary is well-equipped to handle emerging legal issues.