As the Demerara Criminal Assizes opened yesterday with a staggering 276 cases on the docket, Supreme Court Registrar Sueanna Lovell emphasized the critical need for additional magistrates and judges in Guyana’s legal system.
This shortage, she highlighted, directly impacts access to justice and the overall efficiency of the legal process.
In candid remarks to the media, Lovell articulated the strain that the judicial system is currently under, stating, “We’re really in dire need for both magistrates and judges. On our criminal side, we have a bit of a backlog because of the paucity of human resources. Our judges are not many, and criminal matters don’t stop coming because we don’t have judges. It is important for the judiciary to continue to churn out and complete matters in as efficient and timely a manner as possible.”
Despite these challenges, Lovell also expressed optimism about the recently appointed Judicial Service Commission, which is actively taking steps to fortify the foundations of justice.
She noted that they are diligently addressing the issue of judicial officer appointments.
The Demerara Criminal Assizes, presided over by Justices Simone Morris-Ramlall, Navindra Singh, and Jo-Ann Barlow, face a formidable caseload.
The need for more judicial resources remains a pressing concern, underscoring the importance of bolstering the legal infrastructure.
Sueanna Lovell’s call for increased capacity in the judiciary echoes a sentiment shared by many in the legal community. As cases continue to mount, the urgency to address this need becomes increasingly evident.