Legal Aid for Reg. 9
-ministerial outreach currently in Rupununi Region
-32 villages in 3 days
DPI, Guyana, Friday, February 15, 2019
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC., has assured that there will be Legal Aid for residents of Region 9, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo.
The AG made this commitment today during a tour of the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.
Minister Williams is part of government’s ministerial team conducting an outreach in the for the weekend.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC., and Principle Magistrate Allan Wilson
As he met with Principal Magistrate, Allan Wilson and staff members of the court, AG Williams expressed his satisfaction at the fact the court was not behind on court matters.
“With the setting up of this court and a resident magistrate, I am glad travelling to Georgetown has minimised” noted Minister Williams.
As it relates to legal aid, the Attorney General says through an international funded programme, the government will now ensure that persons in the hinterland regions can access this government service.
“We are bringing legal aid to the hinterland… People need access to justice. Many people come into the court that need legal aid. An IDB funded initiative to reduce the prison population will facilitate this,” he said.
Attorney General Williams also lauded the efforts of the police in managing crime in the region.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC.,[centre] flanked by Principle Magistrate Allan Wilson [left of AG] Althea Fitzpatrick Asst. Reg. Exec Officer [fourth from right] Police Prosecutor Tishon Rodrigues [second from right]
Images: Adrian Persaud