…Judiciary assures safety of workers, court users of paramount importance
In light of a few of its staffers testing positive for COVID-19, the Supreme Court of Judicature in a statement noted that it wishes to assure that the health and safety of all court staffers, their family members, and court users is of paramount concern to the Judiciary.
The High Court
The Supreme Court said that its statement is in response to an “extremely” misleading article that accused its management of callous disregard of the safety of its staff, their families, attorneys, judicial officers, and other court users consequent on a few members of staff testing positive for the deadly virus.
According to the Supreme Court, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has collaborated with the Health Ministry and the COVID-19 Task Force in the implementation of all established guidelines and protocols to ensure the safe operation of the judicial system.
“From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana to present, the management of the Supreme Court has done everything in its power and taken every precaution including but not limited to regular sanitisation and fumigation, and the provision of personal protection equipment to staff.”
Moreover, the Supreme Court disclosed that it has been providing free transportation to and from work for staff to minimise the risk associated with the use of public transportation, the stationing of community health workers at court entrances, use of technology in the conduct of trials to reduce the number of persons who have to come court, paying for COVID-19 testing for staff at Eureka Labs, and arranging for the COVID-19 vaccines to be made available to staff members of the Judiciary.
Also, the Supreme Court said it has arranged webinars for all staff throughout the country on the effects of COVID-19, responding to the pandemic and vaccination. Another webinar is scheduled for May 2021. However, despite these and other measures, the Supreme Court noted that over the past week, it has received reports of members of staff testing positive for the virus.
“In every instance, we arranged for testing for those who were identified as having been at greatest risk of exposure. We also did contact tracing and sanitised the offices where those persons worked. Staff members have been required to quarantine for the requisite period as required by the Ministry of Health.”
According to the Supreme Court, every case of COVID-19 was treated with the utmost seriousness and all protocols were followed. In the meantime, it said that management is actively considering all options as they seek to take the best course of action for all concerned because the Judiciary is designated as an essential service to the populace.
The Supreme Court emphasised that it has always maintained contact with the Health Ministry and the COVID-19 Task Force to ensure that all health requirements are implemented. “We have active COVID-19 management committees which meet regularly. An emergency meeting was held on April 22, 2021, with heads of department and supervisory staff to discuss the current situation.”
“Management wishes to also reiterate that we do not take lightly our obligation to provide a safe work environment for our staff and all our court customers and will continue to take every precaution necessary to promote and maintain the health and well-being of us all,” a release to the media added.
