$132M Magistrates’ Courts to be built at Grove

A sod-turning ceremony was held on Monday to commence construction of the Diamond-Grove Magistrates’ Courts, an edifice that would be built in the compound of the Golden Grove Police Station on the East Bank of Demerara. Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Madam Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards; acting Chief Justice Madam Justice Roxane George; Justice of Appeal Arif Bulkan; other magistrates, as well as Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan were all present at the occasion. Giving brief remarks, the acting Chief Justice noted that although the ceremony was a simple one, it was quite significant. She said the

new court will be constructed to serve the Diamond-Grove community, which has seen significant growth within the last few years. “We have thought it fit to establish another court to serve this community, as we seek to ensure access to justice throughout our country,” Justice George highlighted. It emerged that this idea was introduced by former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh, who was cognizant of the fact that the entire East Bank Demerara (EBD) area, from Agricola to Timehri, was served by only the Providence Magistrate’s Court. With increased housing along this area, the Providence Magistrate’s Court has become incapable of accommodating the number of cases which arise. As such, Justice Carl Singh had thought it best to have another court established to assist in this regard. The new court’s building, which is budgeted at approximately $132 million, will house two courtrooms, a library, two magistrates’ courts, two magistrates’ chambers, a complete registry, two offices, a holding cell and a break room; and will be equipped with an elevator. At the ceremony, a tree was planted as a representation of the growth of the justice system, and primarily the court system. Past episodes of inclement weather had occasioned some delays in commencing the construction of this building. However, the authorities are hoping that its construction will commence in the upcoming dry season.