AS Guyana marks the official opening of the Law Year 2026, the Judiciary finds itself at a pivotal juncture.
Acting Chancellor, Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, SC, in her address to judges, magistrates, Bar members, and justice sector stakeholders, painted a picture of a court system under pressure—a system grappling with soaring case volumes alongside acute staffing shortages.
In 2025 alone, magistrates’ courts nationwide recorded approximately 30,000 criminal cases and 700 civil matters.
These courts handle nearly 90 percent of the country’s criminal caseload, as well as civil disputes ranging from landlord-tenant issues to domestic violence, family, and maintenance cases. Magistrates also preside over inquests, children’s courts, and specialised drug treatment courts, while preparing to operationalise mental health courts.
Yet, despite these efforts, Justice George-Wiltshire highlighted the crippling effect of staff attrition.
Over 100 positions have been lost in the past year, with personnel leaving for higher-paying roles in the private sector, government ministries, public agencies, and even emigrating abroad. The shortage extends beyond support staff to magistrates and judges themselves, leaving seven magistrates’ courts and five high court positions vacant.
Pending inquests, appeals preparation, and administrative tasks are all under strain, with the volume of trial matters taking precedence over essential record-keeping and case management.
The acting Chancellor’s frank acknowledgment of these challenges underscores the urgent need for structural reforms.
To address the shortfall, the judiciary is implementing a comprehensive human resources review, supported by a grant from Global Affairs Canada. This audit will examine staffing requirements, qualifications, and compensation, aiming to establish a revised organisational structure, updated job classifications, and an equitable remuneration framework.
Judicial research counsels have already been appointed to assist judges and magistrates in legal research, opinion drafting, and policy work—a first step towards bridging staffing gaps.
Justice George-Wiltshire also drew attention to the bifurcated nature of staff appointments. Some personnel are appointed by the Judicial Service Commission at higher pay scales than those recruited through the Public Service Commission, leading to morale issues and operational inefficiencies. Constitutional or legislative clarification may be needed to streamline appointments and strengthen the JSC’s authority.
Beyond human resources, the judiciary is moving steadily towards modernisation. An indigenous e-filing and case management system for magistrates’ courts is under development, while the high court and the full court already benefit from automated case assignments and paperless access.
These technological strides are critical for improving efficiency and ensuring timely justice, yet they cannot substitute for the human capital needed to manage and supervise these systems effectively.
Infrastructure also demands urgent attention. High Court and magistrates’ court buildings were designed for fewer staff and judges than currently operate within them. Both heritage structures require major repairs and upgrades to meet contemporary operational demands.
Justice sector reforms remain central to addressing these pressures. The Strategic Plan 2024–2031 outlines investments in human resources, management systems, and technology, aligning with international standards and promoting inter-agency collaboration.
Partnerships with local and international stakeholders—from the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Guyana Police Force to UNICEF, UNDP, and the Caribbean Court of Justice—are contributing to capacity-building and operational improvements.
Despite the challenges, Justice George-Wiltshire conveyed optimism for the future. With structured staffing strategies, technological enhancements, and targeted legislative reforms, the Judiciary can accelerate the disposal of cases, improve access to justice, and strengthen public confidence in the rule of law.
Her personal reflection—following in the footsteps of her late father, former Chancellor Kenneth George—serves as a reminder of the human dedication behind the institution.
The message is clear: Guyana’s Judiciary is making measurable progress, but without urgent attention to staffing, remuneration, and infrastructure, the system risks being overwhelmed. If the country is to ensure timely and fair access to justice, the government and relevant stakeholders must act decisively to support the courts, not just with technology, but with the people, resources, and policy framework essential to sustain them.
Justice may not wait, but the machinery that delivers it requires careful tending. Guyana cannot afford delays.