Court confirms enforcement powers of Court Marshals in judgement execution

The Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana has issued a public notice outlining the legal authority of Court Marshals and confirming the execution of a writ of possession in relation to a land dispute on the East Bank of Demerara.
According to the notice, Court Marshals function as executive officers of the court and operate under lawful authority in accordance with the High Court Act, Cap. 3:02. The Act establishes the Registrar as the Chief Executive Officer of the Court, with all Marshals acting under the Registrar’s control and responsibility, subject to the direction and approval of the Chief Justice.
The Court further referenced the Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2019, Part 45, which provides that a Writ of Possession authorises a Marshal to enter specified land or premises, take possession, and deliver that possession to the Judgement Creditor.
The clarification follows developments in High Court matter 2023-HC-DEM-CIV-SOC 331, involving New Friendship Farmers’ Cooperative Land Society Ltd and several defendants, including Elaine Adams, Rozel Dilleon Investment Ltd, and Leon L Rutherford.
In that matter, Justice Peter Hugh delivered judgement on September 25, 2024, granting possession of Parcel No. 739, comprising 13.6877 acres located at Block XXVIII, Zone East Bank Demerara, part of Friendship, to the second named defendant.
The court’s order was served on the claimant, New Friendship Farmers’ Cooperative Land Society Ltd, on March 24, 2025. A stay of execution had been granted until December 31, 2024; however, the claimant did not vacate the property within the stipulated period.
Subsequently, an application was made by Leon L Rutherford, resulting in the granting of a Writ of Possession on August 25, 2025. The writ was later issued by the Registrar of the Supreme Court on January 7, 2026, following a request made on December 22, 2025.
The writ authorises Court Marshals to enter the property, remove the occupants, and deliver possession to Leon L Rutherford, acting as a representative of Rozel Dilleon Investment Ltd.
In its notice, the Court advised that Marshals are executing lawful orders and urged all persons to cooperate fully and refrain from obstructing the execution process.