Over US$400,000 in IT equipment, software handed over to boost Guyana’s criminal justice system

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has donated IT equipment and software valued at approximately US$400,000 to several state agencies under the PACE Justice Project, aimed at strengthening Guyana’s criminal justice system through technology deployment and capacity building.

Following the handover on Thursday, Guyana’s judiciary and key justice sector agencies are now better equipped to enhance the delivery of justice. The advanced IT systems will support modernisation efforts across the country’s courts and other judicial institutions.

Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall said the PACE Justice Project comes “at a very appropriate and strategic time, as Caribbean leaders intensify efforts to reform and modernise the administration of criminal justice.”

Highlighting the broader significance of strengthening justice systems, he noted that, “The administration of criminal justice in the Caribbean is undergoing tremendous scrutiny, examination, retrospection, introspection, and a revamp; and it is being done at the highest level, that is to say, the heads of Government in the form of a subcommittee, because the administration of criminal justice has been identified as crucial for the social advancement and economic prosperity of the region.”

Minister Nandlall also announced that in the coming weeks, Guyana will host a major roundtable discussion involving Attorneys General from across the Caribbean to address the same issues. He described it as “another significant initiative under the PACE project” and noted that Guyana is fortunate to have been selected as a beneficiary.

Strengthening the justice system

In keeping with talks centred around innovative efforts for the local judicial system, AG Nandlall highlighted legislative reforms underway, including a new Evidence Bill.

“Our current evidence law dates back to 1893 in the United Kingdom. It is over a hundred years old, clearly out of sync with modern realities. We intend to repeal the old legislation and replace it with a completely new Evidence Bill.”

He expressed hope that the donated equipment would be fully utilised, noting that steps have already been taken to equip the Guyana Police Force with computer systems and printers as part of efforts to eliminate handwritten records.

“I hope that whatever it is that we are receiving here would be utilised to the fullest. We have already donated a number of computer systems and printer systems to the Police force as we are aggressively moving towards eliminating completely handwritten records. We want everything to be typed, and hopefully we will emulate the vision of the Chancellor to become completely paperless.”

Speaking at the event, Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Roxane George, welcomed the donation of eight Liberty software and equipment systems.

“This comes at a very critical time for our courts. These systems have been used in the High Court and eventually migrated to the Magistrates’ Courts, where they have been in operation for a number of years.”

“This presentation is particularly important because the number of courts, as we know, has increased. The Head of our Court Reporting Unit, Mr Hector Edwards, has advised me that these systems will be added to the ten that have been recently acquired, and we now have 18 courts already earmarked for installation. These systems will definitely enhance court efficiency.”

Justice George also emphasised the role of technology in a modern judiciary, stating, “A modern judiciary requires clear and reliable recording systems to ensure a secure official record of court proceedings. It is essential that our courts have the tools to maintain accurate and trustworthy records.”

She also publicly acknowledged the contributions of staff involved in the project.

“I want to publicly acknowledge the efforts of our IT team for their commitment and dedication to ensuring the technological transformation of our court systems, which is in keeping with our Strategic Plan 2024 to 2031.”

Importance of technology

Meanwhile, European Union Ambassador to Guyana Luca Pierantoni highlighted the importance of technology in Guyana’s development, noting its critical role in supporting the country’s ongoing evolution.

“We are talking about technology today, and technology is very important because digital transition creates new challenges, and we need to update and upgrade our systems. But in the end, the people are more important. Technology is just a tool, but the people behind the technology, the people that are using the technology, those are really at the forefront of this change.”

“The UN-EU partnership is a very important partnership. We are living in very difficult times, particularly for multilateralism and for the UN. It is important to cherish the work, expertise, and effort that has been done by the UN at the country level for so many years. And Guyana is a new player regionally and internationally, so it can also play a role in supporting the UN and its work worldwide,” he added.