-AG says while unveiling ambitious legal reform agenda

BUDGET 2024 will be a catalyst for the advancement of Guyana’s legislative agenda, which aims to foster transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and efficiency.

This was expressed by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, as he defended the $1.146 trillion budget in the National Assembly on Friday. He used the opportunity to shed light on the People’s Progressive Party Civic led- government’s comprehensive plan to create a modern Guyana.

In this year’s budget, the sum of $6.8 billion has been earmarked for the strengthening of the justice system and to safeguard the preservation of public trust and the safety of citizens.

Nandlall explained to the House the significance of the rule of law and how an independent, competent judiciary is the bedrock of a progressive society.

He asserted: “No nation has economically progressed, and no people have socially advanced without these prerequisites.”

Acknowledging the pivotal role of the constitution, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to its reform.

“We promised in our manifesto that we will reform this constitution. We promised to do so to an established mechanism. That mechanism has been established, and it is currently being activated,” Nandlall declared.

He highlighted the passage of the Constitutional Reform Commission Act and the forthcoming appointment of the commission by President Dr Irfaan Ali.

In emphasising the significant strides in reinforcing the judicial system, Nandlall said: “The Judicial Service Commission has been appointed, and this year we will make critical appointments.”

He also highlighted the impending appointment of six Justices of Appeal, nine Puisne Judges to the High Court, two Commissioners of Title, and an increase in the number of Magistrates to 29.

This commitment, he explained, underscores the government’s dedication to fortifying the judiciary, ensuring efficient legal proceedings, and addressing the growing caseload.

ROBUST AGENDA

The Attorney-General addressed the urgency of a robust legislative agenda to support transformational policies and projects.

He noted the delay in revising the laws of Guyana due to the substantial workload but assured that the new laws would be published within the first quarter of the year. Additionally, he announced the publication of the Guyana Law Reports for the years 2008 to 2020.

Nandlall outlined various infrastructure developments, including a new building for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Onderneeming, Region Two, and a new headquarters for the Deeds and Commercial Registry in Georgetown.

He also disclosed that new Magistrates’ Courts are slated for construction in several regions of Guyana. Notably, a $263 million Magistrates’ Court has already been commissioned at Vigilance on the East Coast of Demerara, and additional courts are planned for Timehri, Friendship, and Anna Regina.

These initiatives, each with its own price tag, he said represent a pivotal investment in expanding and modernising the judicial infrastructure across different regions of the country.

The Attorney-General also touched on initiatives to address societal challenges. He unveiled plans for the ‘New Hope and Justice Centre’ at Lusignan and Vergenoegen, offering a unique combination of social, legal, medical, and protective services for victims of domestic violence, trafficking, sexual violence, and child labour.

THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
In response to concerns about varying sentences in legal tribunals, Nandlall indicated that there are forthcoming sentencing guidelines which aim to bring uniformity and consistency.

He expressed the government’s dedication to strengthening the criminal justice system through initiatives like the review of the Sexual Offences Act and the drafting of a new Evidence Act.

The minister during his presentation said that the Court Case Management System, piloted at Diamond-Grove Magistrates Court, is set to be implemented across all courts gradually, ensuring digital accessibility to court records.

Against this backdrop, he highlighted the importance of adapting legislation to the evolving legal landscape, exemplified by the need for a new evidence act.

One of the highlights was the Restorative Justice Project, which Nandlall plans to twin with the probation department. Leveraging existing infrastructure, this joint effort aims to kick-start the project in a meaningful way, addressing the needs of vulnerable segments in society.

The Attorney-General also underscored the government’s accomplishments in Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism.

He mentioned ongoing work on dozens of new bills, corporate structure improvement, and legislation to enhance the agricultural sector.

Legislative interventions planned for 2024 include drafting a new bill to address the outdated Evidence Act and debating the Arbitration Bill, allowing arbitration experts from outside Guyana to conduct arbitration in the country.

Additionally, a review of the Companies Act has already started and will follow the CARICOM model very closely to produce a more modern legal framework to govern the corporate sector.

The Attorney General explained that these budgetary allocations and ongoing initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to a robust and efficient justice sector, ensuring timely justice, access for all, and a modernised legal framework.

“This budget of 2024 is yet another installment of our plan to create a modern Guyana and to make the Guyanese citizens first-class citizens of this world,” he proclaimed.