The Government has been given the assurance by the Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh that all necessary initiatives will be considered to expedite trials and review bail to reduce the number of prisoners on remand.

This assurance was given during a meeting on Wednesday between a high-level Government team and senior members of the judicial system.

According to a statement from the Government, Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan has undertaken to compile an inventory of prisoners on remand who would be placed in categories in accordance with the offenses for which they have been charged.

It is expected that Magistrates would expedite trial or grant bail to remove prisoners which could ease the overcrowding of the jails.

The Chancellor will be giving consideration to hiring temporary magistrates, once financing could be guaranteed.

The move between the Executive and the Judiciary to deal with prison congestion came following the recent prison unrest in the Camp Street Jail which resulted in the deaths of 17 inmates.

Following the almost two hour meeting, The Prime Minister described the talks as “very successful” in addressing the prison and justice system.

“We are assured that the Chancellor, the DPP, the judiciary and the Magistracy are fully on board,” he said.

Both the Government and judicial sides expressed a strong view that, as far as possible, the police ought to take relevant statements and fully prepare cases for the prosecution before charges are laid. If that were done, it would prevent the remand of alleged offenders to prison pending collection of further evidence or advice from the DPP, as the case may be.

Failure to prepare cases result in a cycle of delay and adjournments. During the frank and cordial exchange of views, both sides recognize the need for a review of sentencing guidelines, the reform of laws to allow the exercise by Magistrates of greater discretion in imposing sentences, including for drug-related offenses.

The need for the police to coordinate with the magistrate in the supervision of community service, instead of a term of imprisonment, was also stressed since community service would keep a number of petty offenders out of jail.

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