THE Land Registry in Berbice opened its doors for business a week ago, after a lengthy delay. The customary pomp and ceremony did not attend this event.The two-storeyed edifice situated at the corner of Main and King Streets in New Amsterdam is expected to also house the regional offices of the Director of Public Prosecution, but has since opened its doors for business within the Land Registry.

Rehabilitated at a cost of twenty million, four hundred and fifty thousand and fifty dollars, the building was expected to be handed over to the Director of Public Prosecution since November 2013, but some delays had prevented this.

Berbicians are, however, yet to see the opening of the DPP Office, which would greatly benefit the administration of the justice system.

In an invited comment on October 18, 2013, Legal Affairs Minister Mr. Anil Nandalall had told this reporter that the Ministry of Legal Affairs was in process of acquiring furniture and furnishings for the building, which is expected to accommodate several offices of the DPP, including living quarters. Berbicians are, nevertheless, pleased to have the building completed, and they are patiently awaiting its opening.

Police officers continue to travel to Georgetown to seek advice in criminal cases, which results in constant adjournments of hearings in the Magistrates Courts. The almost daily travelling to the capital city places additional financial burdens on the State, which would significantly be reduced if there is a functional office in the Ancient County.

According to Minister Nandlall, with opening of the first DPP office outside of Georgetown, the police in Berbice would have easy access to the DPP, and can be advised in a timely manner in respect to investigations. In addition, police investigations must be done in accordance with the law, while respecting the fundamental rights of all persons, including those who are suspected to be involved in crimes being investigated.

The DPP office would allow Berbicians who are of the opinion that they are detained unlawfully opportunity to file Habeas Corpus proceeding in the Berbice High Court, and serve same right here on the DPP. Before, they had to go to Georgetown to serve the matter, and that used to defeat the whole purpose, because Habeas Corpus proceeding are predicated upon an alleged unlawful imprisonment, and if a person does not get redress in time,
that person might have unlawfully been incarcerated for two to three days. Also, Bail petitions can be filed and responses can be given here in Berbice; and during the criminal trials, the lawyers have living quarters as well as office facilities to which they can retire during the course of the respective trials, the Minister had emphasized.