WITH the aim of providing easier access to justice for East Coast Demerara (ECD) residents, the Supreme Court of Judicature has issued invitations for bids for the construction of two magistrate’s courts.

The announcement of the intended construction of courts at Cove and John, ECD and another at Mahaicony, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) was published in the daily newspapers.

Interested bidders can peruse the bid documents at the court’s Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown office before purchasing the complete set of the bidding documents for G$8,000.

Bids will be opened by the National Procurement and Tender Administration (NPTA) on June 7, 2022, at its office located at the Ministry of Finance, Main and Urquhart Street, Georgetown.

The judiciary received some $3.5 billion in the 2022 budget to construct magistrate’s courts at Cove and John, Mahaicony, Friendship, Anna Regina and Timehri, and to complete and extend others.

The ongoing construction on the Madhia, Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Providence and Vigilance Magistrate’s Courts is expected to conclude later this year.

The construction of the magistrate’s courts and living quarters at Timehri and Friendship, is expected to being soon.

The new court buildings will be 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.

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

Recently, the Judiciary launched 12 Juvenile Drug Treatment Courts (DTC) in magisterial districts around the country as part of its efforts to reduce crime and substance use by adolescents, through the use of therapeutic interventions and judicial supervision.

Also, four Electronic Notice Boards were installed at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to facilitate easier access to information for court users. Soon, the court will be rolling out a case management system pilot project.

In April 2022, during the commissioning of the $37.8 million Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., had 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.