There is no single prescription to cure the deficiencies in the judicial system as the problems faced are both fundamental and complex in nature.” These are the sentiments expressed by newly-appointed Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall.
Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall
During an exclusive interview with Guyana Times International, Nandlall said that addressing the problems with respect to creating a more modernised and efficient judiciary requires “a whole menu of measures and a multifaceted approach”. He explained that one of the most central concerns that exist among people who seek to access the services of the judiciary is the delayed and sometimes inefficient dispensation of justice.
He readily declared that while he recognises that the judiciary in any country must function independently and it would be “constitutionally improper” for anyone to interfere with the body, there is need for collaboration between the executive and the judiciary in order to solve the delays.
“As far as it is possible, I will undertake to work with the judiciary, having due regard to the constitutional restraints which prevail and exist, to ensure that the policy of the judiciary is in sync with the people of the country,” Nandlall remarked.
He said there must be some way that the two can work together to address what has become a central concern and complaint of the Guyanese people.
The attorney general pointed to several interventions made already with the aim of strengthening the justice system, while improving its efficiency and effectiveness. He made specific mention of the Time Limit Judicial Act, the Paper Committal legislation, the Plea Bargaining legislation, the introduction of mediation in the legal process, and the Lay Magistrates Act. He said that these legislation have already improved the functioning of the judiciary and resulted in timely judgements, but more needs to be done.
Asked what more can be done to reduce the delays and have justice administered in a timely fashion, the minister alluded to government’s intention to fully computerise the judiciary, from the lands registry to the deeds registry, and moves are already being made in that direction.
He also pointed out the need for new equipment to be sourced and made available to the judiciary that would cut by almost 50 per cent the manual labour expended by judges, magistrates, and other staff in the judiciary.
Nandlall expressed much optimism ahead of the opening of the 10th Parliament that the legislation and policies which he will propose on behalf of government will receive unanimous support from members of the House.
He did recognise that before this support is given, there may be need for compromise on certain areas. He said if the changes requested were credible and acceptable, his side of the House would have no problems in moving forward.
“The PPP has had a long history of bringing legislation to the Parliament that is generally designed for the public good and interest…. I do not see any changes to that and the legislation that will receive the support of the entire Parliament…. so the policy and substance of the legalisation that will be presented will not change,” Nandlall declared.
Nandlall interpreted his role as not being limited to being the principal legal adviser to the government, crafting legislation to be tabled in Parliament, or appearing for government and officials in court.
He dismissed as false, the perception that his ministry and appointment is a “technocratic” one, arguing forcefully that he is not insulated from the people.
“My predecessors may have been technocratic ministers, but I am a political minister. I have a constituency. I have a leadership position in a political party,” he declared, stating that his office will be open to all Guyanese who may be in need of some service or good that the ministry is offering.
He was optimistic that he will continue to consult and involve all stakeholders while executing the various roles and functions of an AG. He said that he is open to working with the opposition, lawyers in Parliament, the Guyana Bar Association, the Women Lawyers Association, the judiciary, and the business community.
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