Hiring of temporary magistrates could help in reducing long list of remand prisoners

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Hiring of temporary magistrates is an option that is currently being explored in an effort to expedite trials and to review bail in order to reduce the huge number of prisoners on remand. It will also help to address the larger issue of overcrowded prisons in Guyana.

According to Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh, once financing could be guaranteed then magistrates could be hired temporarily.

Prisoners have complained that they have been on remand for a long time and are anxious to have their cases heard.
Prisoners have complained that they have been on remand for a long time and are anxious to have their cases heard in court.

A government delegation led by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo met with the Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh, Director of Public Prosecution Shalimar Ali Hack and other senior members of the judicial system to identify measures that could address the problem of overcrowding at the various prisons across the country.

Besides overcrowding, the Executive and Judicial teams identified need for strict enforcement of ticketing for traffic violations, where the regulations apply, instead of motorists being summoned to appear before the Courts.

The teams were further assured that the DPP would continue the process of nolle prosequi (be unwilling to pursue) in the High Court matters where victims and complainants could not be located, after careful judicial review of the circumstances in each case.

Several prisoners have been complaining that they have been on remand for quite a long time and would like to have their cases dealt with in court.

 

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