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Sexual Offences Court commissioned in New Amsterdam at Berbice High Court Sexual Offences Court commissioned in New Amsterdam at Berbice High Court
Guyana’s Second Sexual Offences Court was on Tuesday commissioned in New Amsterdam. The Supreme Court of Judicature officially launched the Court at the Berbice High Court Building, Esplanade Road, New Amsterdam.
Sex offenders court
The initiative is in keeping with the Sexual Offences Act which provides for the establishment of a Sexual Offences Court.
Giving the key note address in front a packed Supreme Court auditorium was Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings –Edwards OR, CCH.
Mrs. Cummings-Edwards stated that Guyana is going places in terms of reforming the judiciary. She noted that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) collaborated significantly with the Justice Department in bringing the project to fruition.
They have provided much needed financial support and capacity building in the quest to ensure that justice is served, she said.
“We will follow the sexual offences guideline which offers internationally best practices for the management of the cases.
“With the dedicated support of UNICEF and being joined by the British High Commission now, we assure that this court will bring much needed justice to residents who encounter sexual assault.”
She said with the new court in the district, those issues will be dealt with in a way which respects the dignity and privacy of the victims.
Detailing what has been achieved since the passing of the Sexual Offences Act and the Establishment of the first Court in Georgetown In 2017, Justice Cummings –Edwards noted that it has seen some 53 cases with convictions totaling 33. There were 20 acquittals.
Sentences varied from nine years to life imprisonment. Those crimes for which trials were conducted included seven for rape, 21 with a child under 16 years, 15 for sexual activity with a child family member and one for Carnal knowledge.
She noted that there are a total of 37 cases involving sexual offences in the Berbice Assizes.
Deputy British High Commissioner, Ray Davidson, commended the Supreme Court for establishing such an “advanced court room” and said that the new system replicates “much of what is being done in the United Kingdom (UK).”
“It will allow survivors to be able to give their side of the event in a more conducive environment. It might encourage others who have suffered abuse to come forward knowing that they will be treated with respect and dignity.
“I commend the work that is being done here by everyone involved; particularly the Judiciary of Guyana and UNICEF. I am delighted to say (that) the British Government will be supporting the setting up of a new Sexual Offences Court scheduled for Essequibo later in the year. “
He lamented the harsh questioning victims go through. It leaves them feeling as if they themselves are on trial rather than the defendants.
“That is bad enough for an adult, much less a child who has already gone through the most horrific ordeal that one can imagine.”
UNICEF resident representative to Guyana and Suriname, Ms. Sylvia Fouet, pledged her organization’s support in conquering issues relative to sexual violence and encouraged families, specifically children, to use their services when necessary.
Attorney at law Adrian Anamayah spoke on behalf of the Berbice Bar Association and lauded the many improvements that have taken place. He commended Madame Justice Chancellor (ag) Yonette Cummings- Edwards and her team.
The programme was chaired by Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne George SC, CCH. Justice Jo-Ann Barlow led in the prayer and Registrar of the Supreme court, Sue Ann Lovell, did the appreciation.
Others in attendance include Justice Simone Ramlall; Chief Magistrate Ann Mc Lennon, and Magistrates Renita Singh and Peter Hugh.
Members of the Berbice Bar Association; Commander of Police B Division, Assistant Commissioner Paul Langevine, and heads of the Prison and Fire Services in Berbice were also there.
The project was completed in approximately three months by VK Construction Service at a cost of $13M. It is complemented by a Special Measures Room next door where the victims will be accommodated whilst giving testimony.
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