New $447M Deeds & Commercial Registries office commissioned in Region 2

Residents and businesses in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) now have greater access to essential legal services following the commissioning of a new $447 million Deeds & Commercial Registries Authority (DCRA) office, Suddie.
The newly established office is expected to streamline key processes such as land title transfers, business registrations, and other legal transactions, eliminating the need for lengthy travel to Georgetown.

The commissioning ceremony was led by President Dr Irfaan Ali and Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall.
In his feature address, President Ali underscored the crucial role of the justice system in a developing country and the government’s determination to modernize legal services. He emphasised the urgency of aligning the legal sector with the broader development goals of the country.
“In a fast-growing economy like ours, where investment is pouring in and businesses are expanding, we cannot afford a legal system that struggles to keep pace. Decentralization and modernization are not luxuries; they are necessities. By bringing legal services closer to communities, digitizing records, and streamlining procedures, we can ensure that justice is not only accessible but also swift and efficient.We are committed to modernizing our entire legal architecture to make justice more accessible, more efficient, and more relevant to the needs of our people,” the head of state said.
President Ali stressed the importance of modernizing legal processes and institutions to ensure they do not hinder the smooth flow of development, investments, and overall societal advancement. Additionally, he noted that the opening of the DCRA office in Suddie is part of a larger nationwide initiative to ensure that all citizens—regardless of geographic location—can access the services they need without unnecessary delays.
“Justice is not just about the courts; justice is about accessibility. A man in Region Two should not have to travel hundreds of miles and spend thousands of dollars just to get a simple document processed… That is an injustice in itself, and we are fixing that,” President Ali stated.

Modernising
He also pointed out that the decentralisation of legal services aligns with the broader vision of modernizing the country’s governance framework. He emphasized that the goal is not just to expand physical offices but to redesign the entire legal system for greater efficiency. This involves integrating technology, addressing existing backlogs, and fostering an environment where citizens can trust that their legal matters will be handled with professionalism and expedience.
“We are not merely expanding physical offices. We are redesigning the system to function efficiently, incorporating technology, eliminating backlogs, and creating an environment where our people can trust that their matters will be handled with professionalism and speed,” he said.

Transformative step
Meanwhile, Attorney General Nandlall, who has long advocated for improved legal services across the country, described the new facility as a transformative step for Region Two. He noted that for years, residents of Essequibo have faced significant challenges in accessing legal services.
Minister Anil Nandlall highlighted that the newly opened office marks a turning point, emphasizing that this development is about more than just a physical structure. It represents a commitment to improving access to justice, restoring dignity, and ensuring that the people of Essequibo receive the same level of legal service as those in Georgetown. He noted that the new facility aims to bridge the gap in service delivery and provide residents with a more equitable experience in their pursuit of justice.
Attorney General further stated that he recalled his discussions with President Ali on the need for a proper DCRA office in the region, emphasizing the government’s swift response to the issue. “I remember raising this matter with the President, and before I could finish outlining the need for this office… Of course, Essequibo and Essequibians deserve no less than the best we can offer. That is the type of leadership that ensures progress is not delayed,” the Attorney General said.
He also highlighted the inadequate conditions in which the DCRA previously operated in Region Two noting that for decades, the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority had been operating out of the cramped and uncomfortable space at the bottom of the High Court building. Minister Nandlall explained that this space was marked by silence and poor conditions, where members of the public seeking services had to endure long lines, sometimes standing under the sun or in the rain.
“For decades, the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority sought refuge at the bottom of the High Court building. This space was one of silence—cramped and uncomfortable. Most importantly, members of the public seeking the services of this vital authority had to stand in long lines, sometimes under the sun or in the rain,” he explained.
With the new building now fully operational, the Attorney General expressed confidence that residents and businesses in the region will benefit from more efficient service delivery. He also revealed that the government is actively working to establish a similar facility in Berbice, reinforcing its commitment to nationwide accessibility.
Additionally, Chairman of the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority (DCRA) Board, Ramesh Seebaran acknowledged the long-standing challenges the DCRA faced in its previous cramped location, emphasizing that the new facility is a result of the vision and hard work of the Attorney General and his team.

Seebaran emphasized that the new facility is far more than just a physical structure; it is a key component of the government’s ongoing commitment to meet the increasing demands of the region’s expanding housing and commercial sectors. He stressed that this development is designed to provide world-class services, ensuring that the growing population has access to modern, efficient service delivery that aligns with the country’s rapid progress.
Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva expressed her pride in the official opening of the new Deeds Sub-Registry, calling it a historic moment for the region. She highlighted the new facility as a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to improve services for the people of Essequibo. De Silva emphasized that the establishment of this office represents the government’s commitment to providing accessible and efficient services to meet the growing needs of the region.
Also attending the commissioning ceremony were Directors of DCRA and Chief Justice (ag) Yvonne Cummings Edwards, among other regional officials. (Raywattie Deonarine)