Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand, in the National Assembly last week, said the operation of the Family Court is dependent on the adoption of rules by the Rules Committee. She called for speedy adoption, since the rules have already been drafted and sent to the committee.
The new facility is expected to handle issues such as divorce, division of property, domestic matters, adoption, guardianship and custody.
Manickchand stressed that the committee needs to “get their act together” and stop the “sloth” so that the court can begin serving the Guyanese people.
She contends that the initiative of a Family Court was prompted by the awareness that the family unit is severely affected by societal demoralisation.
P. D. Contracting Company, the firm which was tasked with the completion of the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, was given the contract for the Family Court building, and design and supervisory consultation is being provided by E&A Consultants.
The new, two-storey building has replicated the architectural style of the Supreme Court, its adjoining mediation centre and library.
Cabinet granted its approval to the project which is being monitored and supervised by representatives of the Public Works and Human Services Ministries.
Government’s objective to encourage the preservation of the family unit and ensure the needs of women and children are to be adequately met with the first ever Family Court in Guyana.