Legal aid to expand to boost access to justice

Credit: LegoDesk

The government will expand legal aid services to ensure low-income citizens can access justice, PPP General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said on Thursday, outlining a broader push for judicial reform.

Speaking at a press conference following President Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s national address, Jagdeo said the reforms aim to strengthen accountability, efficiency and fairness in the justice system, particularly for poor and vulnerable citizens.

“A lot of people cannot seek justice simply because they cannot afford it,” Jagdeo said, adding that, “The state has a responsibility to step in so that access to justice is not determined by income.”

He said the government is considering legislative changes to hold judges, magistrates and legal practitioners more accountable, while continuing to invest in the judiciary’s independence and effectiveness. The government has invested in the construction of new court facilities, the appointment of additional judges, upgraded equipment and the expansion of digital tools to reduce delays and improve case management.

“We are giving the judiciary the tools they need,” Jagdeo said, emphasising that the government wants an independent, accountable judiciary, not one aligned politically or submissive.

The judicial reform agenda forms part of broader governance initiatives, including the digitisation of government services, improved policing accountability and stronger institutional oversight.

Jagdeo said confidence in the justice system is fundamental to Guyana’s development.

“If people cannot trust that the courts will treat them fairly, then everything else suffers. That is why this reform effort is so important for the future of the country,” he said.