$37.8M Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court commissioned
The newly-commissioned Kwakwani Magistrate's Court (Department of Public Information photo)
The newly-commissioned Kwakwani Magistrate's Court (Department of Public Information photo)

-access to justice now easier for Berbice River residents

ATTORNEY-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, together with senior members of the judiciary, on Friday, commissioned the $37.8 million Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court, which is expected to provide easier access to justice for Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice residents.

District resident, Magistrate Wanda Fortune, has been assigned to the court to hear both civil and criminal matters.

Magistrate Fortune, in her address at the simple ceremony, expressed her gratitude for the new courthouse which will serve the mining and logging communities on the Berbice River in the Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice region.

She explained that since 2001 the court sessions were held at an old state guest house at Kwakwani.

“The building was devoid of windows and individuals required a particular set of skills to navigate the dilapidated stairs and floor. The court sittings were subjected to the weather since rain would blow into the courtroom whenever it rained, necessitating a pause in [the] proceeding,” she said.

The magistrate added that despite the challenges, litigants, the police and civilians attended court, which is evidence of their dedication to the administration of justice in the district.

Attorney-General Anil Nandlall and Magistrate Wanda Fortune unveiling a plaque during the commissioning of the Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court (Department of Public Information photo)

“The dedication of the spacious building equipped with facilities for remote hearing and windows is momentous. It heralds a new era where the weather will no longer disrupt court proceedings. Court users no longer have to brave the elements whether rain or sunshine while they wait in the yard or on the road for their matter to be called. The building means that I can dispense justice and the people of this district can receive the same in a comfortable and relaxing environment,” she added.

Meanwhile, Nandlall, in his remarks, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnering with the judiciary to ensure access to justice throughout Guyana.

According to Nandlall, that access to justice is the foundation of a democratic nation and the hallmark of modern civilisation. He reminded those gathered of the Constitution which speaks of the state not denying anyone equality and equal protection and benefit of the law.

“The judiciary is one of the fundamental pillars upon which a modern democratic society stands. Our government recognises the significant role the judiciary must play, and must continue to play as we strive to develop this country,” he said.

He explained that currently, several courts are either under construction or being renovated, which will aid in the delivery of justice across the country.

“When in government we speak about the economic, commercial and infrastructural transformation that is taking place in our country across every landscape, that same thing is happening in the judiciary as well,” the AG said.

He added: “We in the executive consider that our society cannot advance, people cannot advance; we cannot achieve the goal of a modern civilised and democratic society if that important institution called the judiciary is left behind.”

The AG highlighted that just like the right to life and healthcare, access to justice must be an inalienable right of the citizens.

“I want to reassure you that the Government of Guyana will continue to collaborate, cooperate and work in harmony with the judiciary to improve the access of justice right across the length and breadth of Guyana,” he said.

Also speaking during the ceremony was Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards.

She explained that the new court building is equipped with recording technology for the taking of evidence, a lock-up, living quarters for a magistrate, magistrate’s chambers, lawyers’ rooms, and other amenities.

The court is staffed with residents from the community and in the long run, will aid in the economic development of Kwakwani. The building was constructed by A&E Consultant Inc and is valued at $37,856,838.

The Chancellor explained that previously, persons seeking legal redress had to leave Kwakwani and travel for hours by boat and land to New Amsterdam, Berbice to attend the Berbice Magistrate’s Court.

“Persons undertook an even longer and arduous journey for justice than we experience… Access to justice was impeded by the geographical boundaries and the magisterial districts,” she said.

She added that the length of time and cost persons had to endure to travel to New Amsterdam, hindered the judicial administration’s mission of providing access to justice in a timely and efficient manner.

She also paid tribute to the late former Chancellor of the Judiciary, retired Justice Cecil Kennard, who played a significant role in the delivery of justice in the Kwakwani district.

The ceremony ended with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and the unveiling of a plaque by Magistrate Fortune and the Attorney General.

Also in attendance were Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George; several senior judges and magistrates, residents of the Kwakwani community and Region 10 officials.

Guyana has over 50 magistrate’s courts including the Bail Court, Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Court, Juvenile Court and the Sexual Offences Court.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.