Latest update February 18th, 2025 1:40 PM
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Guyanese urged to report Magistrates’ misconduct
…as new Wales court opens
Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh yesterday urged members of the public to report any legitimate cases of Magistrates’ misconduct, noting that he is very much accessible to the public.
Singh was at the time addressing an audience comprised of residents, students and members of the Bar Association, including Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the re-commissioning of the new Wales Magistrates’ Court.
The $44M building is located in the compound of the Wales Police Station on the West Bank of Demerara. It was built after it was realized that the old court building, which still stands neighbouring the new one, was
The newly constructed, Wales Magistrates’ Court
dilapidated.
Justice Singh stressed the need for complaints to be accurate, noting that gone are the days when a Magistrate can be dismissed just by mere allegations.
The Chancellor was at the time referring to a call, which was made by a letter writer in yesterday’s edition of the Kaieteur Newspaper to have a city Magistrate be removed from her post, following a case in which the letter writer stated his belief that the Magistrate was unfair in her ruling.
Justice Singh made clear though that a blind eye will not be turned on such allegations. He went on to explain that while it is important to have a proper building and convenient resources, these can only make a difference and be meaningful if those who utilize it do so demonstrating proper work ethics, with the aim of eradicating crime.
He emphasized that everyone is equal and deserving of justice, and that this should be served in a fair and transparent way. He urged too that should a party be dissatisfied with a ruling, the way to go would be an appeal, since between the local courts and the Caribbean Court of Justice, persons are bound to get redress for justice to be served. However, he pointed out that the aim is always to satisfy justice at the level of the Magistrate.
In addressing the gathering of primary and secondary school students, Singh said that he was very happy that they were paying close attention to the speeches being made, advising that they avoid wrong doing, since the consequences might hinder their chances of a productive future.
Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall in his brief address to those present at the re-commissioning exercise said that the court has been out of commission for a while now, and that during that period, legal matters were being heard in the dilapidated building.
Nandlall, the Attorney General, noted that yesterday’s event represented Government’s commitment to resourcing the Judiciary in order to ensure that it delivers to the citizens, a high and deserving quality of justice.
He pointed out that “over the last seven years, Government has expended some USD $25M through a loan with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to modernize the justice sector.”
He said that the programme has now come to an end, and according to him, “much has been achieved to show for this.”
He said that almost every court building in Guyana has been refurbished or expanded, and in some instances, new buildings like the one at Wales, were constructed.
Works on the Linden and Lethem courts are continuing, and these are expected to open soon, Nandlall said.
“We compiled and published 12 volumes of the Law Reports of Guyana, from 1977 to 2007, bridging a gap of some 30 years.”
He added that the complement of high court judges was recently expanded, and after approximately 30 years, it has been increased from 12 to 20.
“We may not have the physical capability now…to accommodate the new appointees that are expected to be appointed under this increase of complement, but I want to assure you that every effort will be made to ensure that such capacity is realized.”
Nandlall added that the Family Court will soon become operational, as the rules have been completed and the building is currently being furnished.
The Minister said too that an automatic voice recording system will soon be installed within both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
In closing, Nandlall rejected comments made in the letter, describing that the statements were irresponsible in condemning the integrity of magistrates.
He declared that the justice system has never been in a better state than it is in today.
“…But yes, there is a lot of work more to be done.”
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