The commissioning of the Children’s Court at the Charity Magistrate’s Court in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is a landmark development in Guyana’s ongoing efforts to create a more equitable and child-sensitive justice system. Spearheaded by the Judiciary of Guyana in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), this initiative represents a significant investment in infrastructure and also a deep and commendable commitment to the protection, rehabilitation, and empowerment of the nation’s youth.
The $72 million investment represents more than just cosmetic enhancements; it has fundamentally transformed the Charity Magistrate’s Court into a facility that aligns with international standards for child justice. The comprehensive upgrade features a newly constructed annexe, modernised courtrooms, improved washroom facilities, and essential safety enhancements. Together, these developments provide a secure, dignified, and child-friendly environment in which justice can be administered with fairness and compassion.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall rightly described this development as a milestone for the country. As the first Children’s Court in Region Two, it brings much-needed attention and resources to a region that is home to over 15,000 children. His remarks underscored the Government of Guyana’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the nation’s children—its most valuable resource. By ensuring that children are protected, educated, and afforded the opportunity to develop their full potential, the government is actively laying the foundation for a stronger and more just society.
Significantly, the Children’s Court is not an isolated initiative. It is part of a broader legal and social reform agenda supported by the 2018 Juvenile Justice Act. This legislation introduced comprehensive protocols that prioritise rehabilitation over punishment for children who come into conflict with the law. The new court provides a vital space where these principles can be implemented effectively—ensuring that children are treated with dignity and given the opportunity to reintegrate into society.
Equally important is the government’s alignment with international conventions and protocols that protect child welfare. The Attorney General noted Guyana’s adoption of several modern legislative measures related to child custody, adoption, and juvenile justice. These developments are crucial steps toward fulfilling obligations under international human rights frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The support of UNICEF has also been instrumental in this initiative. Gabriel Vockel, UNICEF’s Representative in Guyana, emphasised that the new Children’s Court represents a vital advancement in fulfilling Sustainable Development Goal 16, which seeks to promote peace, justice, and strong institutions. His affirmation of UNICEF’s ongoing partnership with Guyana reinforces the strength of international cooperation in building a society that prioritises child protection and empowerment.
Region Two’s Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, highlighted the pressing need to move away from outdated methods of child discipline and care. Her remarks resonate deeply in a modern context where holistic, restorative, and rights-based approaches to child welfare are increasingly necessary. The establishment of this court, therefore, represents a timely and progressive shift in how child justice is approached across the region.
Justice of Appeal Navindra Singh offered a compelling reflection on the human impact of the new court. His statement that “children will not be lost in the system” encapsulates the core philosophy of the juvenile justice framework now taking root in Guyana. It recognises that children, even when in conflict with the law, deserve to be heard, supported, and given a second chance. The court’s emphasis on rehabilitation and restorative justice provides young people with a lifeline—an opportunity to make amends and build a better future.
This is not only an achievement in infrastructure or legal reform; it is a bold affirmation of Guyana’s values. It signals that the nation sees its children not as problems to be punished but as individuals to be guided, protected, and empowered. The Charity Children’s Court is a testament to what is possible when policy, partnership, and purpose align.
The establishment of the Children’s Court in Charity marks a significant advancement in Guyana’s justice system and serves as a promising step toward securing a better future for the nation’s children.
