$277.9 Million Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court commissioned

– marks new era in Region One justice system

The Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court in Region One (Barima- Waini) a $277.9 million investment in Guyana’s justice system, was officially commissioned on Friday, representing a major step toward expanding access to justice in Region One.
The state-of-the-art facility, constructed by Builders Hardware and General Supplies, with architectural and engineering oversight from E and A Consultants Inc, is set to revolutionise legal proceedings in the region, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming travel to other courts.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Prime Minister (acting President) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who officially handed over the court to the judiciary, as well as Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, and Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag.) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards. Also present were Chief Justice Roxane George, Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley, Mayor of Mabaruma Trevor Leung, and other members of the judiciary and Government.
Justice Cummings-Edwards, delivering the keynote address, described the opening of the court as a landmark achievement in the modernisation of Guyana’s judiciary. She underscored that this facility is a testament to the Government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that justice is accessible to every citizen, regardless of geographical location.

Previously, court hearings in Mabaruma were conducted in a police station compound, where Magistrates, lawyers, and members of the public endured cramped spaces, harsh weather conditions, and inadequate facilities.
This new court ensures that residents of Mabaruma and surrounding communities– such as White Water, Tobago, Waramuri, and others – can now have their legal matters addressed in a proper judicial setting.
The Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court is outfitted with modern, smart courtrooms, featuring internet connectivity, security cameras, and digital evidence recording. It is also equipped to facilitate virtual court hearings, allowing attorneys to represent clients remotely from Georgetown, Lethem, Bartica, or any other location.
Defendants housed at Mazaruni, Lusignan, or Timehri prisons can attend hearings virtually, reducing travel time, security risks, and state expenditures on prisoner transport.
The building also includes conference rooms for legal discussions and stakeholder meetings, designated office spaces for probation and welfare services, and rooms for survivors’ advocates.
For the first time, Mabaruma’s court will provide on-site residential quarters for Magistrates and staff, eliminating past challenges where judicial officers struggled to secure accommodations.

Justice Cummings-Edwards noted that in the past, Magistrates often had to reschedule hearings because guest houses and hotels in the area were fully booked. With the new facility, this issue is resolved, allowing for more frequent sittings and faster case resolutions.
The court also prioritises accessibility and inclusivity, featuring wheelchair ramps and an elevator system, ensuring that differently-abled individuals can easily navigate the facility. It includes a child-friendly waiting area, equipped with books and toys, allowing parents to attend court proceedings without the burden of managing young children.
This is particularly beneficial for those seeking domestic violence protection orders, maintenance payments, or other legal services.

Justice Cummings-Edwards officially introduced Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse as the presiding Magistrate for the Mabaruma Court, noting that while he would oversee most cases, other Magistrates would periodically visit to assist with dispensing justice.
Prime Minister Phillips, in his address, highlighted that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration has prioritised legal accessibility across the country, investing billions of dollars annually to ensure a competent, fair, and efficient justice system.
Phillips noted that this principle of equal access is also reflected in the Government’s broader development efforts, including investments in healthcare, education, energy, and digital infrastructure. He pointed out that between 2020 and 2024, the Government had invested $7.9 billion in renewable energy, expanding solar and hydropower access across Guyana.
He also commended the judiciary for embracing technology-driven legal solutions, stating that virtual hearings have significantly reduced operational costs and allowed prisoners to appear before the court remotely, saving millions of dollars in transportation expenses.
Phillips closed by extending his heartfelt congratulations to the judiciary on the completion of the project, describing the new court as a “beacon of justice, fairness, and equality” for the people of Region One. He urged residents to embrace and uphold the values the court represents, ensuring that justice remains accessible, impartial, and efficient for generations to come.
As the gathering dispersed, there was a palpable sense of optimism in Mabaruma. For the first time, the people of Region One now have a fully equipped judicial facility, built to the highest standards, ensuring that justice is no longer a privilege of the coastal regions but a fundamental right for all Guyanese.