In a significant initiative to enhance legal knowledge and improve the administration of justice, three volumes of criminal bench books have been distributed to various stakeholders in the Caribbean region.
The distribution was made possible through funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) under the Support for the Criminal Justice Programme.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, highlighted the importance of these books during a recent announcement.
He emphasized that the volumes serve as a comprehensive compilation of rules of procedure derived from primary legislation, case law, policy, and judicial practices across the Caribbean.
Nandlall expressed his optimism that access to these valuable resources would contribute to the enhancement of the administration of justice in Guyana.
The books, which represent a timely addition to ongoing efforts related to the effective delivery of justice, aim to provide guidance to judicial officers in the region.
Nandlall noted that while the IDB has secured some original copies, additional copies will be made to ensure broader distribution to various stakeholders across the country.
Director of Public Prosecutors, Shalimar Ali-Hack, emphasized the practical utility of the information contained in these books for magistrates, judges, and prosecutors.
The consolidated content includes statutory provisions, recent amendments to primary legislation, and guidelines from magisterial to appellate courts.
The distribution of these criminal bench books is a pioneering initiative in the Caribbean region, consolidating legal knowledge and providing a valuable resource for legal practitioners.
Original copies have already been distributed to key entities, including the Office of the Chancellor, Chief Justice, Director of Public Prosecution, the Guyana Police Force, and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit.
This effort reflects a commitment to advancing legal education and ensuring that legal professionals have access to comprehensive and up-to-date resources to strengthen the justice system in the region.