$143M Magistrates’ Court opens at Diamond/Golden Grove

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, January 22, 2020

The judicial system has received a boost with the commissioning of a Magistrates’ Court in the Diamond-Golden Grove housing scheme, East Bank Demerara.

The brand new $143Million facility was officially opened on Wednesday by His Excellency President David Granger.

In his remarks, the Head of State noted that accessing justice is one of the guiding principles of Guyana’s judiciary.

“The establishment of the Diamond-Grove Magistrates’ Court in the Demerara-Mahaica Region is another step in the direction of providing easier access to justice, for everyone, everywhere in Guyana,” the president remarked.

He noted that the administration had pursued a policy of regionalisation to extend public services with access to judicial services being one of them.

“An accessible justice system strengthens public security and provides assurances to investors that there would be easy access to settling disputes.”

President Granger said that while Magistrates’ Courts after often described as inferior courts they are an integral part of the country’s judiciary.

“Magistrates’ courts, consequently, are guardians of citizens’ rights…the establishment of additional magistrates’ courts is welcome especially as it guarantees swifter and easier access of justice and the provision of legal services to citizens,” President Granger remarked.

Meanwhile, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon. Basil Williams SC, noted that the modern facility represented the culmination of hard work by the judiciary and would “ensure further access to justice for Guyanese living in Region 4.”

“The importance of access to justice cannot be overstated as it is crucial to the maintenance of the rule of law,” he said explaining that when people have access to justice, they are empowered “as it is it one of the prime mechanisms for persons to access their legal rights.”

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards said the decision to establish the court was made to cater to the legal needs of the expanding community. It will add to the capacity of the Providence Magistrates’ Court.

The new building boasts two courtrooms complete with modern equipment and technology. There is access to Skype, recording equipment for evidence taking, and facilities such as wheelchair ramp and elevator for persons with disabilities. The court also boasts a domestic violence unit.

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