The Judiciary of Guyana, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), officially opened the Children’s Court at the Charity Magistrate’s Court in Charity Magistrate District, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), to support the advancement of juvenile justice and the promotion of child welfare in the region.
The ceremonial cutting of the ribbon at the commissioning of the Children’s Court at the Charity Magistrate’s Court. Also in photo are Chief Justice (ag), Justice Roxane George; Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, UNICEF Representative Gabriel Vockel among other officials
The construction and renovation of the Children’s Court at the Charity Magistrate’s Court came at a cost of $72 million. This funding facilitated an upgrade of the existing infrastructure, including the complete renovation of the original court building, the addition of a new annex, the installation of perimeter fencing, and full electrical rewiring and system upgrades. It also supported the modernisation of both the children’s and magistrate’s courtrooms, along with the enhancement of washroom facilities to meet contemporary standards.
Delivering the feature address, Attorney General Nandlall hailed the occasion as a landmark achievement, noting that the Children’s Court is the first of its kind in Region Two. He underscored the government’s commitment to investing in children, whom he described as the country’s greatest resource.
“Our greatest asset and resource are our children, and in our country, the government commitment is to invest heavily in that resource and do everything that is possible and capable of what we are doing to ensure that that resource is nurtured, grown and educated… that it evolves and that it matures in such a way that it becomes capable of attaining its fullest potential. That’s why mechanisms have been put in place across all institutions, with constitutional provisions mandating that decisions affecting children must prioritise their best interests,” the attorney general said.
He also highlighted several modern legislative advancements relating to child custody, adoption, and juvenile justice, all geared toward safeguarding the rights and welfare of children.
“We recently signed on to the conventions that had a menu of legislative measures as well as other regulatory protocols of the most modern time, all designed to protect and advance the welfare of the child,” he stated.
Touching on the importance of the newly commissioned Children’s Court, Nandlall noted that the 2018 Juvenile Justice Act established detailed protocols for how children should be treated when in conflict with the law. The court, he said, will provide a dedicated space for the proper implementation of this act.
From arrest to sentencing, Nandlall emphasized that the entire process must remain child-focused and geared toward rehabilitation, with the active involvement of the Legal Affairs and Human Services Ministries.
“This is an important development, and the government will continue to support and resource this effort,” he pledged.
UNICEF Representative Gabriel Vockel, described the court as a vital step in guaranteeing access to justice for all children, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 16 and a shared commitment to child protection and empowerment. He reaffirmed UNICEF’s continued commitment to partnering with Guyana in safeguarding the rights of every child and ensuring they are upheld in all aspects of society.
“This court represents a critical step in ensuring access to justice for all children. It supports Sustainable Development Goal 16 and reflects our shared vision for child protection and empowerment,” Vockel stated.
Meanwhile, Justice of Appeal Navindra Singh reflected on the personal significance of the court’s commissioning. He noted that the court provides young people with a crucial second chance, offering them the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions while also giving them hope for a better future. Additionally, by creating a space that supports rehabilitation and restorative justice, the court enables children to change the course of their lives and reach their full potential.
Justice Singh also shared insights into the Juvenile Justice Act, which embodies the principles of restorative justice. “Here, children will not be lost in the system. They will be heard. They will have the chance to become the best versions of themselves.” he said.
Additionally, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva also addressed the gathering, noting that Region Two is home to over 15,000 children. She emphasized that the country is entering a new era where traditional methods of child discipline and care need to evolve to meet modern standards. De Silva expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Legal Affairs and UNICEF for their dedicated efforts in making the court a reality, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in supporting children and families across the region.
“This court is a welcome boost to our justice system. We are in a new era where time has changed, and so must our approach to child discipline and care,” De Silva said.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards; Chief Justice (ag), Justice Roxane George, and regional officials.
