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The modernizing of the Judicial System in Guyana has moved another step forward A workshop at the Grand Coastal Hotel,Mel Blount Steelers Jersey, yesterday,Andre Tippett Patriots Jersey, examined the use of paralegals as a part of the conflict resolution programme.The workshop which falls under the Modernization of the Justice Administration System Project attracted Attorney General Charles Ramson SC,Jack Ham Steelers Jersey, Acting Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry,Tom Brady Patriots Jersey, AFC member Sheila Holder, PNC member George Norton and Basil Williams among other prominent attorneys.The project is one component of Guyana’s Justice Sector Modernization Program,Morgan Burnett Packers Jersey, in which government has invested considerable resources over the past five years, with the support of multilateral institutions and lenders. This project is being funded by the Inter American Development Bank.The Project is being coordinated by Madame Justice Claudette Singh.Attorney General Charles Ramson described the project as a pivotal one in society.He said that the rule of law must always be at the forefront of any democratic country and is very pleased to be associated with the project.Interestingly, he noted that part of the process that would be looked at is to confront the lay magistrate’s act that has been passed and that is awaiting the action of the Judicial Service Commission to give some sort of momentum to the design of the project.Ramson said that it will give the ordinary man some form of informal justice. He said that a majority of the people going to court are in awe of the process and people tend to take advantage of them while they are still bewildered.Paralegals become useful. These are not lawyers but people who can be useful in that they help people understand the system.The paralegal system for Guyana…..The design for the paralegal system in Guyana is based on consultations with key stakeholders during the diagnostic phase and discussions with participants.Project Consultant Melinda Janki and Attorney at Law Gino Persaud are heading the project.Janki stated that the paralegal is not a recognised position in Guyana,Chris Hogan Patriots Jersey, however a paralegal system here means introducing a new concept and new institutional,Pittsburgh Steelers Jersey, administrative arrangements to Guyana.She said that the goal is to improve access to justice using volunteers from village councils, Justices of Peace and Toshaos.Already the Toshaos function as paralegals because they are at the centre of conflict resolution without recognising their contribution.The design of the paralegal system, she says,Deion Jones Falcons Jersey, greatly depends on community-based volunteers to provide advice and assistance on legal rights and to resolve disputes through mediation and negotiation.Further the purpose of the paralegal system is to offer an effective alternative to the formal system of justice in order to enable communities and individuals to resolve their disputes with other.Already courts in the hinterland are held sometimes once every three months. Under such conditions conflict resolution would be slow.The advantages of the paralegal system compared with the formal justice system are lower costs, speed and informal procedures which are more users friendly.The paralegal system is intended to benefit a wide range of people,Eddie Lacy Packers Jersey, some directly and others indirectly.The project is funded by the Inter American Development Bank by way of a loan to the Government of Guyana. |
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