Court hearings remain suspended, remote sittings to continue – Supreme Court announces

−as measures extended in fight against COVID

“In person” hearings remain suspended, remote sittings to continue

DPI, Guyana – Sunday, April 26, 2020

The Supreme Court of the Judicature today announced the continued suspension of court sittings in the High Court and Magistrate’s Court for another month, as it continues with measures to further prevent the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

In a release issued today, the Court said all “in person” hearings will remain suspended for that period; however, remote sittings will continue.

It stated “Court” shall include any place, whether or not at a designated courthouse, where a Judge or Magistrate elects to sit to conduct the business of the court.

It has advised that all Chamber matters and Full Bench sittings of the Court of Appeal are also further suspended for the one month subject to the directions of the Judge or the Court.

Hearing of urgent applications by the Court will be conducted remotely.

It said subject to the decision of the Hearing Judge, all pending civil matters in the High Courts in Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice are further suspended for the one-month period.

The opening of the Demerara Criminal Assizes for the April Session has also been further postponed for the one month while the Berbice and Essequibo Criminal Assizes will remain suspended for this period.

The court said the reopening of sessions will be reviewed based on the prevailing public health guidelines.

Below is the full text of the release: