ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC., has assured that there will be legal aid for residents of Region Nine, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo.

The AG made this commitment on Friday during a tour of the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.
Minister Williams is part of government’s ministerial team conducting an outreach in the area for the weekend. As he met with Principal Magistrate, Allan Wilson and staff members of the court, AG Williams expressed satisfaction at the fact the court was not behind on court matters. “With the setting up of this court and a resident magistrate, I am glad travelling to Georgetown has minimised,” noted Minister Williams.

As it relates to legal aid, the attorney general said that through an internationally-funded programme, the government will now ensure that persons in the hinterland regions can access this government service. “We are bringing legal aid to the hinterland… People need access to justice. Many people come into the court that needs legal aid. An IDB-funded initiative to reduce the prison population will facilitate this,” he said. Attorney General Williams also lauded the efforts of the police in managing crime in the region. (DPI)