New $65M DPP office opened in Essequibo
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New $65M DPP office opened in Essequibo
Anil Nandlall, the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, stands alongside Shalimar Ali Hack, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and Lorena Solorzano Salazar, the Country Representative to Guyana for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), as they join others in cutting the ribbon.
– marks major advancement for regional justice system
THE Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has inaugurated a new $65 million facility in Onderneeming, Region Two, on Wednesday, significantly enhancing the administration of justice for the Essequibo population.
This two-storey building will serve multiple functions, with the upper floor dedicated to housing DPP lawyers and the lower floor designed for public and staff interactions. The opening ceremony was marked by remarks from several key officials, emphasizing the transformative impact of the new office.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, highlighted the historic importance of the new facility, describing it as a pivotal project that will greatly benefit the residents of Region Two. “We are committed to ensuring that you have access to these institutions, including the DPP office. We are also constructing new magistrates’ courts in the region,” Nandlall stated.
He underscored the government’s substantial investment in the justice system as a testament to its commitment to upholding the rule of law and providing equitable access to justice.
This new $65M two-storey facility aims at enhancing the justice system’s administration in Region Two
Lorena Solorzano Salazar, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Country Representative to Guyana, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between the IDB and the Ministry of Legal Affairs. She emphasized that the investment is a crucial step towards improving the justice system’s administration and experience in the region, facilitating better co-operation among legal professionals.
Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms. Shalimar Ali Hack, conveyed her gratitude to the Government of Guyana and the IDB for their roles in the construction of the building. She noted the facility’s importance in bringing legal services closer to the people of Region Two, including the Islands, Bartica, and the Pomeroon River.
“The office will bring services closer to you, eliminating the need to travel over the Essequibo River. A state counsel will be here, and we will have complaint forms available,” Ms Hack said.
Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva echoed the sentiment of historic achievement, highlighting that the new office will alleviate the financial burden on residents who previously had to travel outside the region for legal services.
This new facility is expected to streamline judicial processes by reducing the need for police officers to travel to Georgetown for criminal case advice, which often led to delays and adjournments in local magistrate’s courts.
The establishment of the DPP office is seen as a monumental step forward in making justice more accessible and efficient in the ancient county of Essequibo, with residents expressing optimism and relief at the completion of this crucial infrastructure.
https://guyanachronicle.com/2024/05/30/new-65m-dpp-office-opened-in-essequibo/
