PLEASE permit me to comment on a letter written recently by Mr. R.J. Eleazar. The entire letter of this esteemed lawyer has to do with the fact that ‘…with UG churning out so many attorneys-at-law, what right do we have to employ lay magistrates/JPs?’

Up-front, let me say that I am not a lawyer, nor do I have any disrespect for the legal profession. And I do have great respect for Mr. Eleazar. However, I am concerned about the administration of justice in Guyana.

Now, everyone in Guyana knows that UG does not churn out attorneys-at-law. They churn out law graduates, who must do further legal studies to become attorneys-at-law. Looking at this letter, it is my opinion that Mr. Eleazar is even suggesting that there is no need for Justices of the Peace. JPs provide a valuable service in the administration of justice.

Mr. Eleazar is fully aware that within the English legal system, Lay Magistrates and JPs have made tremendous contributions.

I will be the most happy person when I see more attorneys-at-law taking up the appointments of Magistrates.
Pandit Chrishna Persaud JP, CREA.