UNDP Guyana Donates $400,000 in IT Equipment to Enhance Judiciary
In a significant development, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Guyana has donated IT equipment and software valued at US$400,000 to several key institutions, including the local Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Guyana Police Force.
Additional beneficiaries of this generous donation include the Guyana Fire Service, the Guyana Prison Service, the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory, and the Ministry of Home Affairs. This initiative represents a multifaceted approach to enhancing the country’s criminal justice system.
This endeavour is part of the broader PACE Justice Project, a criminal justice reform initiative funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the UNDP Guyana.
It aims to fortify Guyana’s justice capabilities through strategic investments in technology and capacity building.
During the handover ceremony held at the UN House in Kingston, Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Roxane George, articulated the transformative potential of the IT equipment, which includes Court recording software and corresponding hardware. She emphasised that this advancement is crucial for the Judiciary’s modernisation agenda.
Chancellor George noted that the Judiciary has transitioned to a robust acceptance of technology, overcoming initial hurdles. The new IT infrastructure is destined for Court houses nationwide, aligning with the Judiciary’s progressive vision.
“Today, we are presented with eight Liberty software and equipment systems. The Liberty systems have already proven their utility in the High Court and are now being integrated into the Magistrate Courts,” she remarked.
“This timely presentation addresses the growing workload, as our court count has risen. Mr Hector Edwards, Head of the Court Reporting Unit, has informed me that these systems will complement the ten recently acquired, with 18 courts earmarked for installation.”
Acting Chancellor George further added that the Judiciary’s capabilities have evolved from mere electronic file storage to implementing a comprehensive Court recording system.
In 2024, the Judiciary is set to launch a cloud-based e-litigation and case management system that will integrate with its digital diaries in both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall expressed gratitude for the support provided through the PACE Justice Project, acknowledging the EU and UNDP’s contributions. He highlighted the timing of this support as crucial, given the significant transformations taking place within the Caribbean’s criminal justice landscape.
UNDP Representative, Katy Thompson expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with the EU and the Ministry of Legal Affairs, aimed at reinforcing the Justice System and promoting democratic governance alongside the rule of law.
Thompson revealed that Guyana has so far received over US$870,000, targeting effective administration of justice, access to justice, and restorative justice initiatives.
As the collaboration progresses, she stressed the importance of ongoing reflection on both accomplishments and the challenges that lie ahead.
“Moving forward, we’ve engaged in various discussions, including workshops and bilateral talks aimed at enhancing sectoral engagements on the rule of law in Guyana,” Thompson stated, advocating for a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to justice administration.
EU Ambassador Luca Pierantoni conveyed the EU’s satisfaction in supporting UN efforts in Guyana. He noted that the new IT equipment and software will significantly advance technological integration in justice administration and assured that the EU’s support remains steadfast.
Immediately following the equipment and software handover, the PACE Justice Project National Steering Committee convened to review Guyana’s proposed 2026 work plan.
The agenda includes the procurement of additional specialised software and IT equipment, alongside various capacity-building initiatives.
The work plan will undergo further examination and finalisation at a steering committee meeting scheduled to occur in Barbados next week.
Source link: Newssourcegy.com.
