WORK is reportedly moving apace over at the proposed Family Court, and according to Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr Anil Nandlall, by the look of things, there could be an official opening “very soon.” Responding to a recent query from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament, Mr Basil Williams, as to the latest developments with the court, Mr Nandlall told the House that as things stand, the furnishings are currently being installed.
He went on to explain that this court will be like no other here in Guyana, in that it will boast some rather unique features, such as said furnishings.
That said, he added that he anticipates that there will be an official opening very soon, though this decision rests with the judicial administration.
With an important prerequisite for the operationalising of the court being the drafting of the Family Court rules, Mr Nandlall told the House that this has already been done and has been sent to the Clerk of the National Assembly to be gazetted, as is the formality.
In terms of staffing, training was conducted early last year for judges and staff of the Supreme Court’s Registry on the use of the Family Court rules by one of the judges responsible for the drafting of said rules.
The appointment of judges, which falls under the purview of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), has already been addressed, in that several persons have shown a keen interest in rendering their services and presented themselves for interviews.
When officially opened, the Family Court will be the first of its kind in Guyana; it is located within the precincts of the Supreme Court here in Georgetown.
The idea of having a Family Court was prompted by a dawning awareness that the family unit is severely under attack with the widespread societal demoralisation.
This recognition has motivated the need to place emphasis on providing an environment where adults and children can seek justice, and where family law can be dealt with in a specialised manner.
The court will handle such issues as divorce, division of property, domestic matters, adoption, guardianship and custody, and will work closely with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Probation and Social Services Department, and the Child Care and Protection Agency.

(GINA)