New $449.6M Magistrate’s Court opens at Friendship EBD

…court to service 31% of EBD population, already has 200 cases assigned

A new $449.6 million Magistrate’s Court has been opened at Friendship on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and with more than 200 cases already assigned to the Court before it even opened its doors, it is expected that the new court will help alleviate the burden on the judicial system.
The administration of justice along the EBD corridor, on Monday received a boost with the opening of the new Magistrate’s Court at Friendship. Boasting a number of amenities to cater for persons paying fines or collecting maintenance payments, there is also an elevator that will be available for the convenience of members of the public.
There are also two sets of offices for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) living quarters for Magistrates and holding bays for prisoners. Senior Magistrate Judy Latchman elaborated on what the public can expect from this new court.
“The East Bank of Demerara has a growing population size. As per the Bureau of Statistics, the population size in 2012 from Eccles to Long Creek, was 59,243. And from Craig to Long Creek, it was 18,267,” Latchman explained.

“Using this data, the Friendship Magistrates Court will cover cases from approximately 31 per cent of the population on the East Bank of Demerara. In fact, more than 200 cases have already been assigned to the Friendship Magistrate’s Court. Now, more than ever, this court is needed.”

Technology
In his presentation, Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall noted that the construction of the Friendship Magistrate’s Court is in keeping with the Government’s commitment to increase access to justice. As a matter of fact, Nandlall expressed the view that the Government of Guyana has surpassed other Commonwealth countries, when it comes to ensuring access to justice.

“Speaking last week at the commissioning of another building, I told the audience that we don’t have an old court building in Guyana anymore. We have over 50 court edifices across the country and apart from the High Court structures that are old but in pristine conditions and are heritage buildings, all the Magistrates Courts and the court buildings across the country, are spanking new edifices.”
He also noted that since he became AG, he has participated in multiple court openings across the country. And he noted that there are more openings of new courts- with new technological advancements- in different parts of the country, to come.
“We have this one here at Friendship. We built one at Diamond/Grove, for the first time. One is completing construction at Soesdyke. One is being constructed at Parfait Harmony. We launched one at Port Kaituma. We will soon turn the sod for one at Tuschen. And these are all courts that did not exist at those locations I just called. They are new court houses.”

“We have in every court also, the technological apparatus to record your testimony without Magistrates having to take evidence in long hand, as we used to do a few years ago. Adding speed and efficiency to the process. And you and your lawyers can get a copy of the transcript within a reasonable time to review the evidence of the case,” he also said.

Access to justice
Meanwhile, acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards, acknowledged the support the Government has provided to build the court and lauded the contractor, Romano Builders Inc for delivering within deadlines. The Chancellor also reaffirmed that the judiciary is committed to carrying out its role, in accordance with the evidence presented.
“The Judiciary of Guyana is tasked with serving, throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. And to serve the entire East Bank corridor, we recognised very early that the courts at Providence and at Diamond, were insufficient to meet the legal needs of the citizens. And indeed, all those who seek the services of the court.”
“His Excellency recently made this profound statement in Essequibo, on access to justice. He said access to justice is not a privilege, it is a right. And indeed, for you the residents of this community, this facility here, you’re deserving of it. It is your right to have access to justice,” she said.
Justice Cummings-Edwards also recalled the President’s words, that access to justice is not about the laws on paper or courtrooms filled with legal arguments, but rather about fairness and ensuring that everyone, from the ordinary citizen to the small business owner, is able to have access to the legal services they need, to ensure dignity and security.
“His excellency said that even the pauper should have access to legal services. And that right is not exclusionary. So, every single resident in this community, must have access to the legal services provided in this court.”