Legal Aid records astounding figures in Region Two

Jun 19, 2010 News

Since extending its services to the region exactly two years ago, the Legal Aid Clinic has been seeing a continuous stream of clients on a regular basis. The clinic which was established on June 14, 2008, at Anna Regina, recently observed its second anniversary.
Legal practitioner, Mr. Sunil Scarce, who heads the Essequibo operation, noted that when the Ministry of Social Security Services initially opted to venture into Region Two, it did not perceive an influx of persons accessing the service.
Legal aid has a primary manifesto to render assistance to the poor or to those who cannot afford legal representation.
Mr. Scarce asserted that prior to being facilitated with a stationary office on the Coast, Essequibians were exposed to the lone service of an Attorney who made sporadic visits to the coast in an effort to meet with clients. Mr. Scarce however noted that since the implementation of the new office, over the two years span, he has seen a total of 917 cases, varying from domestic violence, criminal matters, divorces, sexual offences which are often being referred to a private lawyer and maintenance which he said continues to be the most dominant.
Scarce disclosed that although the work has been “overwhelming” he was also at times confronted with difficult cases which he says he continues to fight with the same enthusiasm, as he would do with all others.”
He is presently confronted with the lack of resources in terms of material. Mr. Scarce is calling for a public library with a legal section to be set up.
According to the young lawyer, many people’s perception of the service meted out to people by legal aid is that it is free. He said that contrary to belief, clients are subjected to pay a consultation fee of $500.He also noted that persons who can’t afford the consultation fee of $500 will have to undergo a ‘means test’ in an effort to ascertain their eligibility to qualify for a free service.
Originally from the small island of Leguan, Mr. Scarce declared, “I am here for a purpose, which is to serve.” The proud Leguan native received his Primary education at the Leguan Primary School before earning a place at the Brickdam Secondary School. Pursuing a university education in the year 2001, Mr. Scarce did a pre literature law programme.
He said that in 2005, after completing his formative studies at the local university; he attended the University of the West Indies in Trinidad, where he earned his Certificate of Legal Education in 2007.
Mr. Scarce said that his first outing was a job in the Attorney General’s office. However, that job did not last, because his real passion lay in wanting to do his part in serving people, especially at the grassroots level.
Legal aid operations in Essequibo have been ranked number two in Guyana. There are also clinics in Regions Two, Four, Five Six and Ten.
One satisfied client noted that people are ‘happy to access the service and would like it to remain.’

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Legal Aid records astounding figures in Region Two

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