THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of Guyana is seeking to recruit qualified individuals for the positions of Chief Magistrate, Deputy Chief Magistrate, and Commissioner of Title/Land Court Judge. The move comes as part of ongoing efforts to ensure that the judiciary is fully equipped to handle the increasing demands on the court system.

The Chief Magistrate’s position, which is pivotal in overseeing the magistrates’ courts across the country, has been without a permanent appointee for some time. The post of Deputy Chief Magistrate was recently created.

To qualify for appointment as a Chief Magistrate, applicants must have a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and a Legal Education Certificate (LEC), be qualified to practise law in Guyana and have general knowledge of the country’s laws, must have 12 years’ experience as an attorney-at-law in Guyana or any Commonwealth jurisdiction, or have experience as a Principal Magistrate.
To be eligible for appointment as Deputy Chief Magistrate, candidates must hold a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree and a Legal Education Certificate (LEC), be qualified to practise law in Guyana, and possess a strong understanding of the country’s legal system. Applicants are required to have at least 10 years of experience as an attorney-at-law in Guyana or any Commonwealth jurisdiction, or experience serving as a Senior or Principal Magistrate.

The Chief Magistrate is a key figure in the judicial hierarchy, responsible for providing leadership and guidance to other magistrates across the country.
This role involves not only presiding over significant cases but also managing the day-to-day administration of the magistrates’ courts, ensuring that they operate smoothly and efficiently.
Persons appointed to both posts will be required to try persons charged with committing summary offences, hear and determine indictable charges heard summarily, conduct preliminary inquiries or paper committals into indictable charges, hear and determine applications made under the Domestic Violence Act, Mental Health Act and other legislation, hear applications for Liquor Licences, and hear applications for Money Lender’s Licences. Magistrates are also required to serve as coroners and conduct inquests into unnatural deaths, prepare Memoranda of Reasons for decisions in a timely manner, prepare returns and reports as required, attend conferences, workshops, and training, be accountable to the Chancellor of the Judiciary, Chief Justice, and the JSC and perform any other related duties to support the efficient functioning of the magistracy.

Applicants for the post of Commissioner of Title, must be an attorney-at-law admitted to practise in Guyana or any Commonwealth country, with a minimum of seven years’ experience.
The person appointed will have jurisdiction to hear and determine any question that may need determination in connection with claims made under the Land Registry Act Cap. 5:02 and matters under the Title to Land (Prescription and Limitation) Act Cap. 60:02. He/she will also be empowered by law to hear and determine all matters assigned to him/her by the Chief Justice under the Title to Land (Prescription and Limitation) Act, Cap 60:02, the District Lands Partition and Re-allotment Act, Cap 60:03 and any other related legislation.

The appointee will also be required to perform any other related duties to support the efficient functioning of the Judiciary.
The posts of Commissioner of Title, Chief Magistrate and Deputy Chief Magistrate are pensionable. The officers appointed will be subject to Judicial Service Commission Rules, the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana Code of Conduct for Judges and Magistrates, Departmental Rules and other conditions of service which may be in force from time to time.

Salaries and benefits for all positions include a monthly-based salary that encompasses utility allowances, commuted allowances, and special allowances, along with duty-free concessions, 24-hour security, vacation leave, and a vacation allowance.

Interested persons can visit the Supreme Court’s website at https://www.supremecourt.gy/vacancies to view the job descriptions and download the application package for these positions.
The Judicial Service Commission is an independent constitutional body responsible for matters related to judicial officers and support staff appointments, disciplinary actions, removals, and promotions. With the exception of the Chancellor of the Judiciary and the Chief Justice, this Commission is in charge of advising the President on the recommendation of judges.

The judiciary had been requesting the appointment of more judicial officers, citing the rise in workload due to staff shortages. Thus far this year, nine magistrates, 10 puisne judges, and three Commissioners of Title have been appointed.