Sand Creek residents complain of challenges faced to attend court

Following a recent outreach to residents of Sand Creek, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) by members of the Judicial system and the Guyana Police force (GPF) significant attention was drawn to the physical challenges faced by residents, who often have to travel long distances to access court services.
This information was revealed by Magistrate Omadatt Chandan during the Police’s ‘Radio Eve Leary’ interview on Friday.

The objective of the outreach was to outline services in which the court provides.
According to Chandan during the outreach a question was asked about if persons who do not show up to court will be penalised for their actions.
“I know that might be a difficulty, as a matter of fact, a question was asked as to if they don’t attend court, what would happen, Of course, the matter could be done in their absence, secondly, an arrest warrant could be issued, and it could be sentenced, which is quite serious,” he stated.
Further, Chandan stated that he indicated to the residents that if the persons cannot attend court that he would normally stand down the matter.
“Of course, I indicated to them that even if they came late to court of course most of the matters when I see persons don’t come to court, I would stand down the matter,” he stated, adding that on that outreach, ranks of the Guyana Police Force as well as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP’s) Chambers were present because the judicial system sees the office of the DPP as a very important stakeholder.
Residents used the opportunity to highlight the challenges and difficulties they face to travel to attend court.
Meanwhile, he highlighted that a recent outreach was held moments after the outreach with the resident where they went at Sand Creek Secondary School where they highlighted to students plans for expanded collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, particularly in tackling serious crimes such as domestic violence and sexual offenses.
“By forging stronger ties with law enforcement agencies, the court aims to strengthen efforts to reduce these persons’ societal issues and ensure justice for affected individuals.”
Region Nine Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police, Raphael Rose told the students that, “Sometimes you don’t know where the help is going to come from but I want to assure you today, there is help in all areas and once you give us that information and allow us to be a part of whatever is affecting you, you will have help,” he stated.
Expressing similar sentiments Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, who presented on sentencing and how the justice system works, said that, “Our institution, the courts will come in, in terms of sentencing a person if that person is found guilty after a trial. You know sentences can be very long, it can be hard, you can be sent away from your home, from your community and you can be sent to institutions which you would not like to be in.”
Following the interaction with the students, students were notified about their rights and were encouraged to ask questions and share concerns during the interactive and informative sessions of the outreach. They were assured that any information received would be kept in confidence as it was a safe space. (G2)
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