Major justice system upgrades planned for Guyana in 2026, AG Nandlall says

Guyana’s justice system is set for significant upgrades next year, including new court facilities, expanded digital services and plans for a modern judicial complex in Georgetown, according to Attorney General Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC.

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Speaking on his weekly Issues in the News programme, Nandlall said the initiatives build on commitments outlined by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and are aimed at improving access to justice and speeding up court services nationwide.

The attorney general said additional magistrates’ courts are planned for the islands of Wakenaam and Leguan in Region Three, as well as the Amerindian village of Orealla in Region Six. The projects are expected to be included in the 2026 national budget.

“These three, I think, may be in the budget of 2026,” Nandlall said.

He noted that during the government’s previous term, at least seven new magistrates’ courts were built or upgraded between 2020 and 2025, replacing ageing wooden structures with modern concrete facilities that include accommodation for judges and court staff. Courts in Mahdia and Port Kaituma, he said, now meet the same standards as those in Georgetown.

With most outlying courts completed, attention is shifting to the capital. Nandlall revealed that plans are under consideration for a modern judicial complex to house the High Court and Court of Appeal, alongside upgrades to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, which he said has outgrown its current space.

He stressed that the investments are critical to ensuring fair and timely access to justice for all Guyanese, regardless of geographic location.

The attorney general also highlighted ongoing efforts to digitise the judiciary in support of Guyana’s evolving digital economy. Internationally recognised case management systems have already been introduced, and electronic filing is now in use across the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice.

Paper-based filing has been eliminated at those levels, with pleadings, submissions and supporting documents now filed electronically. Many hearings are also being conducted virtually.

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At the magistrates’ court level, digitisation is still under way. Nandlall said the entire magistracy is expected to be fully electronic by mid-2026.