Government’s objective to encourage the preservation of the family unit and ensure the needs of women and children are adequately met will soon be realised with the construction of the first ever Family Court in Guyana.
The Government Information Agency (GINA) visited the modern building in the Supreme Court compound yesterday. The construction manager disclosed that the building is 98 percent complete and is expected to be ready by Tuesday.

P. D. Contracting Company, the firm which was tasked with the completion of the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, was given the contract while design and supervisory consultation is being provided by E&A Consultants.
The manager explained that disability ramps are part of the structure.
Cabinet granted its approval to the project which is being monitored and supervised by representatives of the Public Works and Human Services Ministries.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand said the initiative of a Family Court was prompted by the awareness that the family unit is severely affected by societal demoralisation.
This has motivated the need to place emphasis on providing an environment where adults and children can seek justice and redress and where family law can be dealt with in a specialised manner.
The new facility will handle issues such as divorce, division of property, domestic matters, adoption, guardianship and custody.
Minister Manickchand indicated that government is committed to ensuring that families are supported and encouraged.
She disclosed that in early 2009, Cabinet granted a two-fold approval to establish the court and erect a structure in which the entity would be housed.
“This means that the process of compartmentalising family law should begin even before the completion of the building and indicates the significance placed on judicial preparedness in family welfare matters,” the minister had stated.
Minister Manickchand has the responsibility of ensuring that the court is operational, properly resourced and staffed.
The new, two-storey building has replicated the architectural style of the Supreme Court, its adjoining mediation centre, and library. (GINA)