Night court to start on Monday

Night court at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts is set to begin on Monday, operating from 15:00h to 20:00h daily.

In a notice at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, it was stated that night court will commence in the evenings while daily sittings of court will be held from 09:00h to 14:30h. Both day and night court will be held from Monday to Friday.

However, a number of Police prosecutors at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts told Guyana Times that they are unaware of the persons who will be facilitating the night court.

One Police Prosecutor indicated to this publication that he is unsure if they will have to work double shifts or if a shift system will be implemented.

Earlier this year, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan told media operatives that approximately $25 million has been allocated to facilitate night court sessions.

He further stated that Government has set aside a huge sum of money to cover the expenses of this undertaking. Initial reports had suggested that there would be five temporary Magistrates appointed to man the night court. The Judicial Services Commission had to appoint the Magistrates.

This initiative is part of a package of prison reforms, following the deadly prison riot at the Camp Street Prison, which claimed the lives of 17 inmates.

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh had suggested that this initiative last for a period of six months.