Launch Of The Restorative Justice Centre Of Guyana
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Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Robeson Benn, M.P., is attending the launch of the Restorative Justice Centre of Guyana under the Support for the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) Programme of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, which is being held on April 26, 2023 at the Guyana Police Force Officers’ Training Centre located at Camp and Young Street.
The Support for the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) Programme is a partnership between the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana through the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Inter-American Development Bank.
The SCJS Pilot Programme addresses the challenge of overcrowding conditions by focusing on two specific problems: (i) the overreliance by the criminal justice system on custodial sentences; and (ii) the overuse of pre-trial detention.
Since its inception, the programme has employed several measures and embarked on numerous activities which will culminate in addressing the general problem of overcrowding conditions in Guyana’s prisons.
The Restorative Justice Centre which was successfully established, is fully operational and functional, with its office located at 341 East Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown.
Restorative justice, as described by the Canadian judicial system, is “an approach to justice that seeks to repair harm by providing an opportunity for those harmed and those who take responsibility for the harm to communicate about and address their needs in the aftermath of a crime.”
The system is founded on the belief that crime is a violation of people’s rights and relationships, as well as principles of respect, empathy, and inclusion. The approach also seeks to mitigate the prison population and avoid recidivism.
The keynote address will be given by the Honourable Anil Nandlall, SC MP, Attorney General, and Minister of Legal Affairs, along with other presentations from various stakeholders within the Justice Sector.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Honourable Dr. Vindhya V. Persaud, Director of Public Prosecutions Mrs. Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC LL.B, (Hons.), LEC, Peace and Development Specialist- Office of the United Nations Ms. Janet Murdock, Director of Prisons, Mr. Nicklon Elliot, Deputy Director of Prisons, Mr. Kevin Pilgrim, Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ (ag.) Mr. Ravindradat Budhram, Commander Regional Police Division 4 C, Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr. Khali Pareshram, Director -Restorative Justice Centre Mr. Seelall Persaud, Program Manager- Support for the Criminal Justice System Program Ms. Indira Anandjit, along with several other government officials and members of the religious community are in attendance.
https://moha.gov.gy/launch-of-the-restorative-justice-centre-of-guyana/
