The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) opened its new $65M two-storey facility in Onderneeming, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), on Wednesday. This development marks a significant step in enhancing the administration of justice in Essequibo Coast.
Legal Affairs Ministry, Anil Nandlall
The upper floor of the building will house DPP’s prosecutors, while the lower floor will serve as a public interface for staff and visitors.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the DPP office new location, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Ministry, Anil Nandlall, highlighted the historic nature of the opening.
Attorney General, Nandlall spoke on the persistent human struggle for justice and freedom, acknowledging the inevitable conflicts with the law that arise despite societal advancements.
“When we find ourselves in conflict with the law, it is the justice system that ensures fair and equal treatment according to the law,” he stated.
He also noted the crucial role of the justice system in upholding the rule of law and maintaining a peaceful society. He also added that the function of the DPP office is to offer criminal and vice investigative arm to the state and carry out prosecutorial functions when it is decided that charges should be instituted for misconduct.
Additionally, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Guyana, Lorena Solorzano Salarza, underscored the partnership between institutions in strengthening the delivery of justice in Guyana.
“The opening of the new Department of Public Prosecutions Building in Essequibo aligns with the IDB’s commitment to support the Government of Guyana in its efforts to improve access to justice,” she said.
Salarza highlighted the 2023 Needham’s Point Declaration on Criminal Justice Reform, which addresses delays and inefficiencies in the Caribbean’s criminal justice system. She emphasized the importance of adequate resources for criminal justice institutions, including police, judiciary, prison services, and prosecution services.
The IDB-funded Support for Criminal Justice System Program (SCJS) is nearing its completion, with the new DPP building symbolizing a dedication to these reforms.
“By moving the frontiers of modernized justice facilities outward into the communities, we are helping to bring alleged perpetrators to trial more efficiently and ensuring justice is accessible to all,” Salarza said.
The new DPP office aims to provide a space where legal professionals can work towards fairer, more effective justice, and also includes accommodations for these professionals to integrate into the community.
“The IDB remains committed to partnering with the Government of Guyana towards bringing justice closer to home,” Salarza stated, expressing anticipation for the community to welcome and utilize this new resource. (G14)
Also attending the opening ceremony were Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva, Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C., among other regional officials.
