Two new magistrates sworn-in

Oct 01, 2009 News

The local magistracy was yesterday augmented with two young magistrates, Adela Nagamootoo and Omeyana Hamilton. The two were sworn in by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds at his Wight’s Lane office.

From left: Adela Nagamootoo and Omeyana Hamilton

Nagamootoo is the daughter of Attorney-at-Law Moses Nagamootoo with whom she worked for more than a year as a Legal Secretary/Clerk before beginning her private practice as a lawyer.

Prior to her appointment, Hamilton had served in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. She had also worked in the Magistrate’s Court and with Legal Aid.

The auspicious activity saw the attendance of Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh; Acting Chief Magistrate, Melissa Robertson and Appellate Judge, Yonette Cummings-Edwards. The parents and relatives of the two new magistrates also graced the occasion.

Meanwhile, remuneration has been cited as one of the common reasons for the turnover rate within the judicial system. Chancellor Singh yesterday disclosed that persons within the system also opt out for personal reasons. He speculated that those who remain and serve are indeed making a personal sacrifice.

It is the Chancellor’s belief that if poor conditions of work and remuneration are addressed the magistracy could then attract a better quality and calibre of persons.

However, commenting on the purported shortage of Magistrates on the East Coast of Demerara, Singh related that it is around this very period that a number of magistrates prefer to go on annual leave.

He did not hesitate to clarify reports which suggest that Magistrate Yohhahnseh Cave has since tendered his resignation.

According to Singh, he is aware that the Magistrate has made an application for leave and that no letter of resignation has been brought to his attention.