Upper Demerara Magisterial District improved services applauded

Officials in Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) have expressed satisfaction over the improvement of services relative to the Upper Demerara Magisterial District Court, which was recently commissioned.
During the hosting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) statutory meeting, Regional Chairman Renis Morian reported that the new system of operation, especially as it relates to the swifter handling of court matters, has been approved by residents. He noted that the court has since been functioning more efficiently.
Regional Councillor Sandra Adams also pointed out that, based on interactions she has had with officers of the Guyana Police Force as well as members of the public, there now seems to be a more effective management of the institution. She explained that she recently had discussions with Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Honorable Madame Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, in relation to the court.
The 10th Magisterial District Court was last month commissioned with the aim of creating easier access to judicial services for people within Region 10. In his remarks during the commissioning of the institution, President David Granger had stressed that access to justice is every citizen’s expectation, and residents should not be made to travel long distances outside of their regions to access legal services.
Chancellor of the Judiciary, (ag) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, at the commissioning had said it was a remarkable achievement for the Magistracy as well as residents of the district, as she noted that the need for such was great.
“It is no secret that, for many years, residents of the Upper Demerara River area had to travel to Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrates Court to access certain basic legal services…Difficulties that we faced would be eased now, because the services…will now be accessed at this very magistrate’s court…,” she had noted, as she stressed the costs attached to travelling for services incurred by residents as well as Police.
Apart from regular sittings, Cummings-Edwards had highlighted plans to introduce a Municipal Court, sittings of a Youth/Children’s Court, diversionary programmes in relation to juvenile justice, Restorative Justice practices and a Mediation Centre in Linden. In relation to video evidence, she had also noted that residents in far -flung areas within the Upper Demerara area will soon benefit from giving evidence via Skype.