The Children’s Legal Aid service on Tuesday received more than Gy$3 million from UNICEF, bringing the total contribution to the agency to in excess of Gy$9 million over the past four years.
UNICEF representative Suleiman Braimoh handing over the cheque for more than Gy$3 million to Legal Aid’s director Josephine Whitehead
Presenting the cheque was UNICEF representative to Guyana and Suriname Dr Suleiman Braimoh and receiving on behalf of Children’s Legal Aid was Guyana Legal Aid Director Josephine Whitehead.
After the short handing over ceremony, Whitehead told Guyana Times International that the generous contributions by UNICEF single-handedly will help keep Children’s Legal Aid operational.
In the PPP/ C’s 2006 election manifesto, former President Bharrat Jagdeo had promised to create a fully funded Legal Aid within Guyana. Subsequently, the children’s division within the legal aid service was created.
“It is here to provide access to justice” for all Guyanese children, Whitehead said about the children legal service.
She said that with the passing of positive legislation, the rights of children are being seen as a priority by the government of Guyana. In accordance with treating children rights with the utmost of respect, Children’s Legal Aid is a free and confidential service that is meant to encourage dialogue.
Whitehead stated that “there is more willingness” in Guyanese culture to report family issues. Children find themselves in emancipated situations where they are more likely than before to seek out assistance. UNICEF’s donations have allowed for the expansion of Children’s Legal Aid.
Whitehead stated this donation more than covers the cost of doing business. She pointed out that the donation has not only allowed for the hiring of another full-time lawyer, but will also provide funding for a number of radio public service announcements (PSAs).
Children’s Legal Aid will use some of the money for advertising to reach out to persons who may be unaware that there is such a service.
Dr Braimoh shared the same sentiment as Whitehead, as he addressed those present for the handing over ceremony. He reiterated that there were challenges to Children’s Legal Aid, but through a continued partnership, children will not be forgotten.
Braimoh stated that along with the current legislation being passed, he would also like to see the Juvenile Justice Bill of 2008 passed, as it “complements the legislation” passed over the years and will increase the “protection [of] children, especially children in contact with the law”. Through UNICEF’s continued contributions, Children’s Legal Aid has been able to hire an additional attorney, bringing the total to two, Jaya Manickchand and Madan Kissoon. Both of the attorneys have social science backgrounds. Manickchand told this publication that she “has always had an interest in working with children” and she was very focused on helping those who lacked the resources to assist themselves.
Kissoon is a new addition to the Children’s Legal Aid team; he was hired to focus on all juvenile related issues.
Children’s Legal Aid is fully funded by UNICEF, while the government of Guyana funds Legal Aid.
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