Transformative legal justice system programme concludes

The Support for the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) Programme concluded on Friday with an exit workshop at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Kingston, Georgetown.

The increasing prison population and overcrowding in Guyana’s prisons have been causes for concern, leading to the establishment of the programme. Its primary aim was to reduce the proportion of inmates on pre-trial detention and promote alternative sentencing mechanisms.

Funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and executed by the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Ministry of Legal Affairs, the initiative was conducted under the theme, “Contributing to the Reduction of the Prison Population in Guyana.”

IDB Country Representative Lorena Solorzano Salazar highlighted the programme’s transformative impact on the legal justice system. She commended the collaboration among ministries, noting that it demonstrates the government’s commitment and political will to modernising the justice sector.

In his feature address, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, stated that while the project began in 2016, significant progress was only made after 2021.
“This was a well-executed project… It began with the core objective of reducing our prison population, which far outstripped our accommodation facilities. We had a prison system bursting at the seams… Prison is merely a destination to address the prison situation, particularly overcrowding,” Nandlall said.

He added that the project allowed for a broad review of institutions, policies, and legislative frameworks.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn noted an increase in the prison population following the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasised that the initiative’s primary goal is to implement alternative sentencing and expand rehabilitation opportunities.

“In terms of the evolution of our criminal justice system… we must focus more on rehabilitation, reforms, and learning to make Guyana a safer place. The rise in transnational organised crime and the types of crime in Guyana have put the criminal justice system and policing in a more precarious position. We must match up with the best international practices,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, described the programme as a celebration of robust partnership, collaboration, and integration aimed at modernising the legislative agenda.

She emphasised that the initiative highlights how ministries and other sectors can work cohesively to ensure rehabilitation and reduce the number of prisoners in the system.
“I have been working diligently with my Cabinet colleagues, crafting legislation that will tangibly impact our population, particularly vulnerable groups. We are creating a modern, progressive framework that will position Guyana at the forefront of legislative reforms in the region,” she said.
Over 200 justice practitioners were trained under the initiative.