Minister of State, Joseph Harmon has pledged that additional judges will be based in the Essequibo region of Potaro-Siparui, to support those already stationed there.
According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), the Minister, who was at the time commissioning a new judges’ and magistrates’ quarters at Suddie, noted the lack of sufficient officers in the region, and the added burden placed on the system due to the fact that Barticians are forced to travel to the Essequibo coast to receive judicial services.
“I’ve heard a call by the senior counsel that we should have a judge in the civil jurisdiction as well as in the criminal jurisdiction. I think that’s important enough to be supported and I’m sure that when there’s a call for additional judges particular to deal with these developmental issues you’ll have a willing an accomplice in this Minister”, Minister Harmon was quoted by DPI as saying.
The Minister of State referred to the disparity in economic development between the coastland and the hinterland, specifically the area west of Fort Island. He, however, said the new accommodations are the beginning of improvements for the region and reiterated government’s commitment to improving facilities for its judicial officers who serve in every region, DPI said.
