State-of-the-art Magistrate’s Court commissioned in Anna Regina
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Residents of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) will now benefit from improved access to justice, following the Wednesday, July 2 commissioning of a brand-new Magistrate’s Court in the township of Anna Regina.
The AG, members of the judiciary and other officials at the ceremonial ribbon-cutting occasion
The state-of-the-art facility is the latest in a string of investments in Region Two made under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government aimed at decentralising judicial services and enhancing infrastructural development in hinterland and rural regions.
The AG, members of the judiciary and other officials at the commissioning
The modern facility, which includes Magistrates’ living quarters, was constructed by Sattar Mohamed and Sons Construction and Hardware Supplies Limited at a cost of $178,232,476, fully funded by the Government of Guyana through the Supreme Court of Judicature.
With the opening of this new court, Essequibo now has a modern judicial facility as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to bring legal services closer to communities across the country.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon Anil Nandlall, SC, emphasised the PPP/C Government’s long-standing commitment to equitable development and access to justice across Guyana. He said the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court is not just a building but a tangible representation of that promise.
“This court, when compared to those in Georgetown, Port Kaituma, Bartica, or Lethem, has all the modern facilities. Region Two, once referred to as ‘Cinderella County’, is no longer a step-sister. That Cinderella has become a princess.” Minister Nandlall declared.
Highlighting the evolution of justice delivery in Guyana, he detailed the rapid expansion of courts and legal personnel since 2020 — including containerised courts at prison locations and the establishment of new judicial buildings in all corners of the country.
“Every month, we are commissioning a new court… What we are witnessing here is part of the broader development happening across the entire country… Access to justice is as important as any other right or entitlement. Without law and order, no development is possible.” He told the attendees.
The AG also referenced the justice system’s transformation from rudimentary conditions in the upper flats of police stations to full-fledged modern court buildings with digitised case management, remote hearings, and smart courtroom technology.
Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva speaking at the event
Chancellor of the Judiciary, Hon MME Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the court’s commissioning delivers on a promise made during the sod-turning ceremony two years ago. She said the judiciary’s goal is to relocate away from dependence on police facilities and instead create spaces that truly uphold the rule of law.
“Essequibo, you have here your own. You deserve more. You deserve the best. Princess Cinderella deserves equally what the other counties are enjoying.” Chancellor Cummings-Edwards stated.
She reflected on the decades-old practice of holding court hearings in inadequate spaces, including the middle flat of the Anna Regina Police Station, and described the new court as an advancement that will greatly improve legal service delivery in the region.
“We now have facilities for remote hearings, child-friendly spaces, domestic violence hearing rooms, registry and filing systems all in this building. This is what a justice system should look like: one that is people-centred, efficient, and accessible” She announced.
Further, Chancellor Cummings-Edwards revealed that Essequibo would soon be served by two resident judges for the criminal assizes due to the growing case load, particularly in sexual offence matters. She added that sittings at the Suddie High Court will increase from two to four days weekly.
Presiding Magistrate Tomeicka Clarke, who will be serving the new court, described the commissioning as a reaffirmation of the nation’s commitment to the principles of fairness, accessibility, and the rule of law.
Some members of the audience at the commissioning ceremony
“This new court represents a step forward, bringing justice closer to the people it serves. It stands not only as a place of judgement but as a beacon of trust and transparency within the community,” Magistrate Clarke told the gathering.
She noted that this court is often the public’s first point of contact with the legal system and thus must deliver justice with “fairness, diligence, and respect”.
“Today is a celebration not just of a new building but of a shared belief that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done — and done well,” she added.
Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva also lauded the Government and judiciary for their work in lifting the standard of public infrastructure in Region Two. She described the commissioning as a symbol of transformation and pride for the once-called “Cinderella County”.
“Over the past three and a half years, despite the challenges of COVID-19, we were able to achieve so much in Region Number Two. Just two weeks ago, we commissioned the Children’s Court in Charity, and today, we’re proud to add another jewel with this Magistrate’s Court in Anna Regina,” she said.
She praised President Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s leadership and vision in executing wide-scale development across the region — from the construction of more than 15 new schools to the ongoing building of a modern European-standard hospital at Lima.
“As our population grows, so does the need for these services. I am glad that more magistrates and judges are coming on board to serve our region. This court will bring swifter justice, reduce backlog, and ensure people feel heard,” she added.
The event was also attended by the Hon Mme Justice Roxane George; His Worship Devin Mohan; representatives from the Guyana Police Force; Chief Magistrate (ag) Judy Latchman; and Registrar of the Supreme Court Susanna Lovell, among other regional officials.
https://guyanatimesgy.com/state-of-the-art-magistrates-court-commissioned-in-anna-regina/
