The judiciary in Guyana is grappling with significant challenges due to a shortage of magistrates and judges, with the Court of Appeal currently facing a staggering backlog of approximately 2,000 cases. This was revealed by Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Roxane George, during the Opening of the Law Year 2026 earlier this week.
Justice George emphasized the critical role of the Magistrates’ Courts, which handle about 90% of the nation’s criminal cases and civil matters, including domestic violence, family law, and landlord-tenant disputes. However, the judiciary is struggling with seven vacant magistrate positions out of an established complement of 30, primarily attributed to promotions to the High Court and new appointments as Commissioners of Title. These vacancies have resulted in delays in inquests, appeal record preparations, and committal proceedings.
“In 2025, around 30,000 criminal cases and 700 civil cases were filed in Magistrates’ Courts nationwide,” Justice George noted. She acknowledged that while delays vary by magisterial district, the situation is exacerbated by staffing shortages in court offices. To tackle these issues, efforts are underway to implement a new electronic case management and e-filing system aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing administrative bottlenecks.
At the High Court, there are currently five vacant positions for puisne judges, with appointments anticipated before mid-year. Although judges generally manage their dockets, the substantial volume of cases remains a pressing concern, with 5,847 civil cases and 264 indictments filed across the country in 2025.
The Court of Appeal faces ongoing difficulties due to the cumulative impact of years without adequate justices, leading to delays in access to justice. Justice George highlighted that despite the appointment of additional justices in 2025, there remains an urgent need for a robust case management system to address pending appeals while managing new filings.
“Since the introduction of the e-litigation portal in January 2024, 607 appeals and applications have been filed, including 298 in 2025,” she revealed.
In her remarks, the Chancellor emphasized the importance of filling human resource gaps at all levels of the judiciary to enhance operational efficiency and ensure timely hearings. She also called for continued collaboration with legal practitioners, law enforcement agencies, and justice sector partners to minimize delays and strengthen public trust in the judicial system.
As Guyana’s judiciary grapples with these challenges, the call for reforms and additional judicial resources becomes increasingly critical for the equitable administration of justice in the nation.
