President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali commissioned a $447 million Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority building at Suddie, Region Two, on Wednesday.
This modern edifice is the first dedicated facility in Guyana to fully house the operations of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority, and it will be integrated with the Caribbean region, paving the way for Guyanese businesses to be registered regionally.
The three-storey structure includes a residential facility for the authority’s manager, fully air-conditioned rooms, lifts, parking facilities, and a secure vault for document storage. The Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority administers laws enacted by Parliament relating to land transactions, including transport, land registration, leases, and mortgages. It also provides essential services such as notarisation, business registration, and land dispute resolution.
During his keynote address, President Ali emphasised that access to justice is not a privilege but a fundamental right that must be guaranteed for every Guyanese citizen. He underscored the importance of an efficient justice system, stating that a democratic society cannot function without a strong, independent, and accessible legal framework.
“Justice is about ensuring that every man, every woman, every small business owner, and every family—no matter where they are in Guyana—can access the legal services they need to live with dignity and security,” the president said.
He stressed that when people lose faith in justice, they also lose faith in governance and democracy itself. To address this, the government is implementing major legal reforms, including expanding legal aid services to ensure assistance is available to all.
Significant investments are also being made to digitise legal records, streamlining processes, reducing delays, and eliminating inefficiencies. Additionally, judicial infrastructure is being strengthened through the construction of new court facilities and the appointment of more judges and magistrates.
“We are strengthening our legal system because the rule of law must be something that every citizen can rely on. The moment justice feels out of reach, corruption thrives, and trust diminishes,” President Ali stated.
The head of state highlighted the crucial link between justice and economic growth, stating that an efficient and reliable legal framework is key to a conducive business environment.
“It is foremost about creating a business environment where investors feel safe, contracts are honoured, and property rights are protected. When businesses, whether large corporations or small family enterprises, know that they can settle disputes quickly and fairly, they are more likely to invest, expand, and create jobs,” he said.
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, announced that a similar facility will be built in Berbice. He pointed out that under President Ali’s leadership, every region in Guyana will have closer access to the services of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority.
“This facility facilitates tens of thousands of transactions annually. It is therefore incumbent on our government, and part of our vision, to create the best possible facilities to serve the people of Guyana,” Minister Nandlall stated.
The government’s commitment to enhancing access to justice aligns with the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution emphasising equal access to justice for all.
The Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority previously operated from the ground floor of the Suddie High Court.
The government awarded the contract to JAICAM Constructions and Services Inc. in October 2022 to construct the modern facility at Suddie. (DPI)
President Ali speaking at the commissioning
A section of the gathering
