$189M Juvenile Justice Centre on track for December completion

The $189 million Juvenile Justice Processing Centre, currently being constructed along the Eccles to Ogle Highway, is moving apace and is expected to open its doors in December 2026. This was confirmed by Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud during a recent visit to the construction site, where she met with contractors who provided her with the update.
The facility will create a safer, more peaceful and supportive space for young people who may come into conflict with the law. Minister Persaud stated that the focus will be on guidance, counselling, mentorship and second chances, helping young people learn, grow and get back on the right path. “Young people may come into conflict with the law, and we want to give them a second chance; we want to make sure they are dealt with in accordance with the Juvenile Justice Act, and that Act provides for us to deal with these young people very differently,” the Minister stated during one of her budget presentations. In addition, she stated that over 100 ex-prisoners and their families will also benefit from the services at the centre. The Minister reiterated the Government of Guyana’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the nation’s children-its most valuable resource.
By ensuring that children are protected, educated and afforded the opportunity to develop their full potential, the Government is actively laying the foundation for a stronger and more just society.
Meanwhile, the initiative is part of a broader legal and social reform agenda supported by the 2018 Juvenile Justice Act. This legislation introduced comprehensive protocols that prioritise rehabilitation over punishment for children who come into conflict with the law. Back in June 2025, the Children’s Court at the Charity Magistrate’s Court in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) marked a landmark development in Guyana’s ongoing efforts to create a more equitable and child-sensitive justice system. The facility was built at a cost of $72 million.