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–    paralegal system introduced in LethemThe Legal Affairs Ministry in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) recently launched a pilot paralegal programme in Lethem, Region Nine.The first component is being implemented at the cost of US $4.7M and entails the strengthening of the Judicial Service Commission, reducing the backlog in cases, enhancing court administration and skills and productivity of judges and magistrates, rehabilitation of court houses, improving criminal justice,David Njoku Jersey, institutional strengthening of the Legal Affairs Ministry, drafting criminal and procedural laws and improving criminal and other civil law procedures.The second component which is being done at the cost of US $1.2M is aimed at strengthening the linkages among justice institutions and promoting more efficient interactions. The third component is related to improving access to justice; ensuring that it is not delayed or denied.The partnership entails the expansion of legal aid services, development of public legal awareness, support for informal justice (paralegal programme), and the law revision and legislative framework. Approximately US $2M is being expended to implement this component.Country Representative, IDB, Sophie Makonen, said that the Bank is pleased to be part of this programme, which will benefit vulnerable, rural communities and remains committed to lending its support within the framework of the project.The Justice Institute Guyana Inc. was contracted to design the programme and train the paralegals. Director, Melinda Janki explained that “access to justice means that we solve our disputes fairly with respect for each other’s rights.”She explained, however, it takes maturity and a certain level of understanding to reach amicable agreements; reminding that the backlog of cases can result in litigants waiting for years for their cases to be heard and of the expenses that accompany court proceedings.The Lethem Magistrate’s Court sits for a few days once every three months and as such the paralegal system is viewed as a welcoming initiative by residents.The initial plan was to start the pilot with two communities; however, due to the overwhelming response by residents, 29 communities expressed interest in being a part of the paralegal system, with 51 persons offering to volunteer as paralegals.The Region Democratic Council in Lethem will be providing the office space for the paralegal system.Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, said Government has a particular vision with regards to where it wants the country and its people to be. In this vision, the justice system is an important foundation on which the country’s civility rests, where people turn for the settlement of disputes, and is the institution that overlooks and scrutinises all facts of society including Government itself to ensure that obligations are fulfilled in accordance with the laws of Guyana