"Safety, security and access to justice
for all"
The goal of the Justice Sector Reform Strategy describes the Government's ultimate objective, to which the
Strategy will make a substantial contribution. In effect, it provides the justification for the Strategy. Reflecting
Government's development objectives as set out in the PRSP, the Strategy goal is expressed as -
Safety, security and access to justice for all
The purpose of the Strategy expresses its immediate objective and intended impact. It reflects the specific means
by which the Strategy will achieve its goal of safety, security and access to justice for all. The purpose of the Strategy
is expressed as -
The Strategy purpose reflects that fact that improvements in the sector have been on-going for some time. But there
is need for a more consolidated and focused effort to achieve a real impact on service delivery. This can of course be
best achieved if all the institutions in the sector work together in a co-ordinated fashion to deliver the objective
expressed in the Strategy purpose.
How will success be measured? The test of whether the Strategy has delivered on its purpose will be an
To deliver a justice system that is more trusted, accessible and accountable
and works together to deliver all necessary services efficiently and effectively
assessment against solid performance indicators. These will include measures of public perception of the justice
sector; Guyana's ranking in international rule of law / investment climate indices; and objective reports from
independent bodies (e.g. Human Rights organizations). The strategy document describes the Strategy's monitoring
and evaluation framework.
The Strategy outputs define the specific changes or results that the Strategy is designed to bring about. They are
designed specifically to address sector-wide policy challenges. Each of the four Strategy outputs is described below,
with detailed activities under each output set out in the Action Plan, and described in the narrative below.
Output 1: enhanced capacity of justice sector institutions to deliver services efficiently and
effectively
This output is concerned with developing the institutional capacity of the agencies within the justice sector. The clear
focus is on service delivery, with "users" at the heart of the reform process. In order to achieve this output, it will be
necessary systemically to tackle all the services that the sector aims to provide, in particular -
Community safety: safety and security of people and property. The aim is to deliver a system that protects
people and their property from crime and reduces the fear of crime;
Criminal justice: reporting, investigation, prosecution, court processing and sentencing of criminal justice cases.
The aim is for criminal justice to be delivered quickly and fairly, and for the needs of special groups (e.g. juveniles)
to be respected;
Civil justice: resolution of civil disputes. The aim is to provide speedy and affordable mechanisms to resolve civil
disputes (including outside the formal justice system), and for there to be effective methods to enforce judgments;
Administrative justice: ensuring lawful exercise of their powers by public bodies. The aim is to provide clear and
straightforward processes for administrative justice.
Penal system: providing punishment, deterrent and rehabilitation. The aim is to provide a more humane and cost
effective penal system, including development of more robust alternatives to imprisonment
Government legal services: providing legal advice and representation to Government departments. The aim is to
provide timely high quality advice, representation and legal services by Attorney General's Chambers to other
Government Departments.
The approach will be to tackle underlying systemic issues, as well as providing much needed investment and better
facilities. The approach to building institutional capacity across the sector will encompass -
Reforming organisation structures & mandates;
Improved, competency based, staff training;
Reviewing and reforming staff numbers and pay levels;
Improving equipment and infrastructure;
Creating greater autonomy and efficiency in the management, administration and financing of both the Judiciary
and the office of the DPP. and
Modernising management and administration systems.
Output 2: strengthened linkages between justice institutions
This output is focused on strengthening systems and linkages between the institutions in the justice sector with a
view to providing "joined up" justice. In the civil justice system for example, even if the courts are working well in
delivering judgments in a timely and efficient manner, for the user, justice is only delivered once that judgement is
enforced. Delays and inefficiencies in enforcement of judgments (for example through the Marshal's Department) will
defeat the Strategy purpose of efficient and effective delivery of justice.
The approach is to strengthen linkages between justice institutions from the "top down" and from the "bottom up".
"Top down" interventions will be concerned with sector-wide policy, planning and resource allocation. This approach
acknowledges that policy decisions affecting one institution in the sector have a "knock-on" effect on others. The most
obvious example is the impact that the functioning of the criminal justice system as a whole has on the Guyana Prison
Service. With over 30% of the prison population on remand and awaiting trial, efforts to clear the backlog of criminal
cases will have an impact on prison population; as will initiatives to encourage alternative sentences to imprisonment
(such as community service). Key policy and resource allocation decisions in the sector need to be made on a
sectoral basis. The approach to delivering joined up policy making, planning and resource allocation will include -
Introducing s
ector-wide policy leadership;
Developing change management teams and change management methodology coordinated across the sector;
Instigating cooperative, joined-up, processes e.g. outcome orientated sectoral budget submissions to the Ministry
of Finance on the basis of the Justice Sector Reform Strategy's performance indicators; and
Developing a sector-wide monitoring and evaluation framework (see box 4.3 below)
There is also scope for enhanced communication, coordination and cooperation between the institutions in the
justice sector at the operational / local level. Examples include -
Improving coordination between the Police, Magistrates and Prison Service to ensure that cases are ready for trial
before they are listed and that all necessary parties are present;
Better sharing of resources e.g. Police boats to assist Magistrates accessing remote court;
Coordination between judicial officers, the Mediation Centre, attorneys and users to ensure understanding of
mediation and full preparation for each case.
Identifying and learning from such "bottom up" initiatives has the potential to shape policy and resource allocation at
the centre. International experience suggests that a procedure known as process mapping can be a key tool in
delivering enhanced performance through a "joined up" approach to justice delivery. This entails the detailed mapping
of justice end to end processes leading to the elimination of wasteful procedures, and the design of efficient and
effective connected processes.
Output 3: improved access to justice, especially for the poor and vulnerable
This output is concerned with all aspects of the justice system. The aim is a justice system that is accessible to all,
regardless of socio-economic status, gender or ethnicity. The approach taken will be holistic, taking into account all
aspects of the provision of justice and activities will be directed towards -
developing and implementing a national legal aid scheme, including providing legal advice and assistance to
defendants in criminal trials as early as possible from the point of arrest;
introduction of a paralegal programme form remand prisoners and suspects in Police custody;
enhancing the provision of alternative and informal dispute resolution and strengthening linkages between formal
and informal mechanisms;
providing legal advice and assistance in relation to civil matters, including a review of the funding of such cases in
the light of international best practice (e.g. provision of legal aid; no win no fee arrangements); and
improving "customer service" ethos of justice sector institutions.
G. Output 4: enhanced citizens' trust in a justice system which respects their rights, upholds their
responsibilities, and meets their needs
This output is concerned with enhancing the trust and confidence that the citizens of Guyana have in their justice
system. Part of the approach under this output will be to develop effective communications
programmes, both about this Reform Strategy, and about citizens' rights and responsibilities in the delivery of justice
and upholding of the rule of law. But effective communications need to be underpinned by effective reform if trust in the
system is to be strengthened. Approaches taken to strengthen the integrity of the justice system and to build trust in it
will include -
improving transparency and public access to court decisions (including through law reporting);
strengthening independent complaints and oversight bodies with powers of investigation;
strengthening codes of conduct for justice sector institutions; and
developing a communications strategy for the sector.
How do we get there?
Chapter 5
Activity outline
A. Prioritisation of activities
5.1 This chapter describes the key activities under each of the Strategy's four output areas. A full set of activities is
listed in the costed Action Plan in Annex B. The identification of these priority activities was highly participatory,
through detailed consultations with staff and leaders of the institutions concerned, more widely within Government, and
with private sector and civil society stakeholders. During the consultative process, the focus was on identifying
activities which would have a high impact on improving the performance of the justice sector, and which were
affordable and represented good value for money.
5.2 For the private sector stakeholders consulted, three clear priorities emerged: (1) improving the processing of
cases through the courts; (2) police recruitment, training and equipment; and (3) improving the performance of Police
prosecutors. For civil society stakeholders, the focus was on strengthening informal dispute resolution procedures and
enhancing their linkages with the formal justice providers. These priorities together with these identified by the
Government of Guyana both through the consultative process for the development of this Strategy and from previous
studies and initiatives (such as the GoG's Disciplined Forces Commission) are reflected in the Action Plan in Annex B.
B. Phasing of activities
The activities under the Justice Sector Reform Strategy will take place over a five year period in three phases -
Phase one: laying the foundations and quick wins. During the first two years of implementation, the focus will
be on putting in place foundations for successful implementation of the Strategy (such as sector wide
implementation and monitoring and evaluation arrangements), as well as on activities which can take place at
once and will have an immediate impact on justice sector performance.
Phase two: reform priorities. During the third and fourth year of the Strategy the focus will be on undertaking the
fundamental reforms to justice sector institutions that are necessary to improve performance. In some cases this
will involve legislation; in other administrative action.
Phase three: consolidation and next steps. During the final year of the Strategy the emphasis will be on
continuing with and consolidating the gains made in previous years, and planning for future reform activities.
C. Strategy activities reflect GoG's development priorities in the sector
The Action Plan is designed to encompass the Government of Guyana's development priorities for the justice sector
over the next five years. Funding for these activities will depend on public expenditure, IDB loans; and other donors.
The GoG will continue to provide recurrent funding to the sector, In addition, its' Public Sector Investment Programme
funds development activities (in the region of US$ 340,000 in the 2005 budget estimates) which include the building
and rehabilitation of police stations and prisons. The sector's priorities as identified in this Strategy will provide the
framework for Government's future investment in the sector.
The description of the Justice Sector Reform Strategy activities below is designed to be read in conjunction with the
Action Plan which sets out a full list of activities, and indicates their funding source.
D. Output 1 activities for enhanced capacity of justice sector institutions to deliver services efficiently
and effectively
Activity area 1.1 Community safety
Community Safety is concerned with crime reduction. The focus is on crime prevention; reducing the fear of crime;
and the tackling of anti social behaviour. A range of activities will be undertaken all aimed at more effective service
delivery in this area, the most important of which is a re-launched community policing initiative aimed at ensuring a true
partnership between the Police and the communities they serve.
Activity area 1.2 Reporting of crimes
Working with relevant NGOs enhanced training will be provided to "front line" members of the Guyana Police Force
who deal with members of the public reporting crimes to them. This is particularly important in relation to vulnerable
groups in society such as victims of sexual abuse or domestic violence. As well as providing training, police station
facilities will be upgraded so that they provide a safe, welcoming and confidential environment.
Activity area 1.3 Investigation / charging
It is estimated that currently 90% of criminal prosecutions in the Magistrates Courts are unsuccessful. There are a
number of reasons for this unsatisfactory situation including deficiencies at the very start of a case in its
investigation. Activities will be undertaken to strengthen the ability of the Police to lay the foundations for successful
prosecutions, including improving scene of the crime management; enhancing systems for the management of
evidence; and strengthening the Police witness protection scheme. In addition, the system for issuing "tickets" for
minor offences (rather than taking such offences to court) will be strengthened, to enable these matters to be dealt
with quickly and efficiently.
Activity area 1.4 Police institutional strengthening
The Guyana Police Force is currently in the process of developing its institutional strategic plan, within the
framework of the Justice Sector Reform Strategy. During the first phase of the Strategy the priority will be to launch
this plan and to develop the management structures and systems necessary to implement it. During the second phase
of the Strategy, consideration will be given to more fundamental institutional reform issues in particular to a review of
Police numbers, pay and conditions (in the light of resource constraints), encompassing a feasibility study for the
civilianisation of the police and its transformation from a Police "Force" into a Police "Service".
Activity area 1.5 Prosecution
Activities in this area are designed to address technical legal constraints in bringing successful prosecutions
including -
The legislative framework (including the Criminal Law Offences Act, the Summary Law Offences Act and the
Evidence Act) will be modernised.
Legislation will be introduced to provide for cross border mutual legal recognition. The aim is to improve judicial
cooperation between Guyana and other countries with different legal systems, and to replace cumbersome
procedures with swift processes that recognize the integrity of other legal systems. An example is provision for
mutual recognition of arrest warrens.
Activity area 1.6 DPP institutional reform
Activities in this area focus around strengthening the office of the DPP and institutionalising the relationship between
the DPP and the Police prosecutions.
Activity area 1.7- Criminal procedures
Activities in this area focus on eliminating the current backlog of criminal cases that are clogging up the High Court
and the Magistrates Courts, and on modernising court processes to speed case flow and ensure that backlogs do not
develop again. Special projects will be undertaken to deal with the current backlogs, modelled on the successful High
Court civil case backlog project. If necessary, part time Judges will be appointed under Article 128A of the Constitution
to assist with the disposal of the backlog. It may be that many of the backlogged cases may in fact be speedily
dismissed. It has been suggested that as many of 50% (or 12,700) of the criminal cases on the High Court trial docket
will never go to trial because cases has settled or been abandoned, those on bail have disappeared, or witnesses
are not longer available
In the Magistrates Courts, disposing of the backlog will require strong leadership from the centre. It will be necessary
for Magistrates Court clerks to supply the Chancellor with up to date returns showing number of cases awaiting trial,
number of appeals in which papers have not yet been filed in the Registry, and the number of preliminary hearings.
Decisions can then be taken about deploying new Magistrates or redeploying existing ones to deal with backlog
At the same time as measures are taken to deal with the existing backlog, criminal procedures will be
modernised and streamlined to increase the case flow for new cases.
Activity area 1.8 Civil procedure
As with criminal cases, the key issues are both to dispose of the current backlog of civil cases, and to introduce
improved systems to ensure that a new backlog does not build up. Key activities will include -
Increasing the jurisdiction of Magistrates Court which would immediately relieve the High Court of a large number of
small cases. The aim is that this measure would be accompanies by the development of a Magistrates Court
mediation system, which would then take the majority of these small cases out of the court system entirely, and
enable them to be dealt with in a more appropriate manner.
Finalising the on-going reform of the Supreme Court Rules in line with international best practice including judicial
case management; a "cards on the table" approach; and provision for the Registrar and Deputy Registrar to deal
with interlocutory (minor) applications e.g. for amendment of writs, service out of the jurisdiction and substituted
service .
Introducing a system of practice directions to operationalise details of Supreme Court Rules. Practice directions
should be issued to cover matters such as the provision of skeleton arguments; and the granting of adjournments
(see box 5.4 below).
Simplifying the long and complicated rules appended to the Summary Jurisdiction (Magistrates) Act by bringing
them into line with the reformed Supreme Court Rules and introducing small claims procedures.
Introducing a system of "settlement weeks" in the High Court and Magistrates Courts (see box 5.5 below).
Strengthening the system of awarding and assessing costs in civil cases so costs follow the event in practice (i.e.
the loosing party pays the legal costs of the winning party). This means that there is a real incentive to settle, and a
disincentive from bringing frivolous cases.
Activity area 1.9 Court of Appeal cases
The current Court of Appeal backlog will be eliminated speedily, through the setting of targets for the delivery of
judgments. In addition measure will be taken to simplify current appeal procedures including -
Eliminating the need to copy all the notes of evidence on appeal against sentence or on a point of law;
Requiring attorneys to make and keep written note of a judgments delivered in open court or chambers, thus
dispensing with need for judge to communicate the reasons for their decision to the Court of Appeal.
Activity area 1.10 -Execution of judgments
Once judgment in a civil case has been awarded, in order to conclude the case satisfactorily, it must be executed.
Current methods of execution including insolvency procedures, and performance of the Marshall's Department, will
be reviewed, in the light of international best practice. Where necessary the review will be followed up by administrative
and legislative reform.
Activity area 1.11 -Administrative cases
Administrative cases brought by way of judicial review proceedings are an important tool enabling members of the
public to hold the executive to account for its decision making processes. Current court procedures for judicial review
are cumbersome and outmoded. Modern procedures based on order 53 of English Civil Procedure Rules 1998 will
therefore be considered.
Activity area 1.12 Judiciary institutional strengthening
The Constitution guarantees the Judiciary's independence in the exercise of its judicial functions. A key aspect of
this reform will be to improve the system for the control off public expenditure by the Judiciary. The new budgeting
process will ensure that Judicial finances are protected from arbitrary political manipulation, while at the same time
recognizing the responsibility of Government and Parliament for prudent management of public finances.
Additionally reform measures will address many of the human resource constraints.
Measures will be taken to strengthen the management, administration and capacity of the Judiciary including -
Introducing enhanced accountability for Judges' and Magistrates' performance including clear time standards for
case dispositions. This will need to be backed up by legislation in order to give effect to the Constitutional provision
enabling Judges to be removed for failing to give timely decisions. Article 197 (3) states that A Judge may be
removed from office ......for persistently not writing decisions or for continuously failing to give decisions and
reasons therefore within such time as may be specified by Parliament... [emphasis added].
Strengthening case management systems initially by the introduction of a simple data bases (e.g. Microsoft
access) in the High Court and Magistrates Courts managed by a trained case management officer.
Enhanced Judicial training for the induction and on-going training of Judges and Magistrates including mentoring
and refresher courses on practical issues such as sentencing and summing up.
Activity area 1.13 Alternatives to imprisonment
Measures will be taken to enhance to ability of Judges and Magistrates to hand down non-custodial sentences which
are appropriate in many cases for minor crimes and for first time offenders. Key activities will include -
Introducing legislation to provide a modern framework for community service orders.
Reviewing the institutional structure for the Probation Service under the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and
Social Security with a view of ensuring that there is the probation function within the Ministry is fully staffed with
specialist officers to work in the courts, write probation reports and undertake supervision of offenders.
Encouraging Magistrates to make use of their ability to make probation orders. Currently only about five probation
orders are made a month. (To be included in sentencing guidelines)
Activity area 1.14 -Prisons
Measures will continue to be undertaken to improve the conditions in Guyana's prisons. Special emphasis will be
placed on dealing with the third of prisoners who are held on remand. Key activities will include -
Undertaking an audit of remand prisoners and considering release in appropriate cases.
Undertaking an audit of the prison estate and of all prisoners including classification of their security status. This
will ensure that prisoners are accommodated and segregated according to their security needs.
Developing a Security & Standards Manual to establish general procedures and standards in respect of the
administrative and operational systems of prisons and to establish specific procedures in relation to the treatment
of specific categories of prisoners. A system for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the Manual's
procedures and standards will be established including an inspection and monitoring team.
The system of independent inspections of prisons will be strengthened, with Prison Inspectors being required to
make annual reports, thus providing a better system of accountability on behalf of prisoners
Probation Officers will be trained in undertaking risk assessments of offenders soon to be released into the
community. This will be particularly important in the case of violent and sexual offenders.
Prisoner rehabilitation programmes will be strengthened, with all prisoners being assessed upon entering the
prison system to determine an appropriate course of rehabilitation for them during sentence. Rehabilitation might
include life skills, literacy classes, offence focused work, violence management, conflict resolution
Activity area 1.15 Government Legal Services
Legal advice and representation is provided to the Government of Guyana by the Attorney General
Chambers/Ministry for Legal Affairs. The Ministry is thus responsible for the conduct of Government's civil litigation, for
giving advice about legal matters, and for drafting Government's legislation. A review will be undertaken of international
best practice for the most cost effective and efficient provision of such Government legal services. Key issues will
include where responsibility should lie within Government for payment of legal costs and damages; prioritisation of
Government's legislative drafting programme; the cost effectiveness of contracting out some parts of Government's
legal work to the private sector; and measures to ensure line Ministries use the services of the AG / MLA in a cost
effective manner.
Activity area 1.16 Policy making /planning / resource allocation
The Ministry of Legal Affairs has the formal mission statement of ensuring an adequate system for the
administration of justice ....." It currently does not have the capacity to perform this function, focusing rather on the
provision of legal services to Government. International experience suggests that for legal reform to be taken forward it
is necessary to have the capacity within the executive for legal sector policy making and planning.
5.27 In the short term, the capacity of the AG / MLA to undertake these responsibilities will be enhanced by the
creation of the Justice Sector Reform Strategy Technical Secretariat within it. In the longer term, the Ministry will be
re-structured to create a dedicated legal sector planning and policy making department.
Output 2 activities for joined up justice: strengthened linkages between justice institutions
Activity area 2.1 Joined up policy-making, planning and resource allocation
Activities in this area are concerned with putting in place the institutional arrangements for implementing, monitoring
and evaluating the Justice Sector Reform Strategy described more fully in chapters 6 and 7 below. Of particular
importance will be the establishment of change management teams in the justice sector institutions, and the
development of a common change management methodology. The necessity for careful change management is
illustrated by Chart 5.1 on the next page which sets out the various initiatives which just one organisation in the sector
- the Guyana Police Force will have to deal with in implementing this Strategy.
Activity area 2.2 Sector-wide efficiency savings
Activities will be undertaken to identify efficiency savings in the sector through the creation of a cross-sectoral
Efficiency Savings Team, which will publish annual reports feeding into the budget preparation process detailing justice
sector efficiency savings achieved.
5.30 It is likely that a review of court fees and fines, and improving the system for collecting them will be one of the
first areas to be considered as an efficiency saving measure. According to the Constitution all revenues collected must
be transferred directly to the Consolidated Fund. Hence reforming court fees and fines, so that they more nearly
reflect the cost of services provided would provide a strong argument for enhancing budget allocations to the Judiciary.
However, it will be important to ensure that there are corresponding investments in legal aid provision to ensure that
increases in Court user fees do not impede access to justice for the poor.
Chart 5.1 Guyana Police Force activities
Other areas of efficiency savings will be pursued including -
The mapping of end to end organisational processes (see paragraph 4.14 in chapter 4);
The enhanced use by Government of alternative dispute resolution in civil disputes and
Improving Prison Farms
Activity area 2.3 Criminal justice operational coordination
The key activity in this area will be the establishment of Criminal Justice Committees at the local level, centred on
each Magistrates Courts. The committees will comprise representatives of all stakeholders involved in the processing
of criminal justice cases and will be focused on improving inter-agency co-operation, communication and co-ordination
at the operational legal.
Activity area 2.4 Civil justice operational coordination
Local Court User Committees will be established to enhance cooperation, coordination and communication
between the courts and their users in respect of civil justice.
Activity area 2.5- Coordinated approach to juvenile justice
The Action Plan contains a co-ordinated set of activities to be carried out to improve to provision of juvenile justice in
Guyana.
Activity area 2.6 New Opportunity Corps
Activities will be undertaken to enhance the provision appropriate treatment for young offenders provided by the New
Opportunity Corps. The aim will be to ensure that children who have come into conflict with the law are given specialist
care, and are separated from children suffering from neglect or behavioral problems.
Output 3 activities for improved access to justice, especially for the poor and vulnerable
Activity area 3.1 Legal Aid
The point of the limited availability of much of Guyana's population to legal advice and representation has been
made. As a first step to address this issue, a plan will be developed in conjunction with stakeholders for a sustainable,
national legal aid scheme for Guyana in the light of regional and international best practice. Realistic funding options for
this will need to be considered, as well as realistic and affordable methods of providing such a service, for example
through the use of a more institutionalized system of pro bono than operates at present and through the use of
paralegals. A key aspect of the legal aid scheme will be to ensure that legal advice and assistance is provided to
defendants in criminal trials as early as possible from the point of arrest.
Activity area 3.2 ADR
The key activity in this area will be to replace the outdated 1931 Arbitration Act with a new Alternative Dispute
Resolution Act to entrench all forms of ADR (including mediation) within Guyana's legal system. This will include
provision for the registration of ADR settlements with the court to streamline enforcement.
Activity area 3.3 Paralegals and mediation
Within the context of developing a legal aid scheme under activity area 3.1 above, provision will be made for a
paralegal scheme aimed at remand prisoners in prison and suspects held at police stations. Paralegals will be trained
to provide assistance with bail awareness, and legal rights in general. In addition, they will monitor remandees who
have exceeded time limits in prison.
Activity area 3.4 Funding civil litigation
Reforms will be undertaken to introduce affordable methods of funding civil litigation in the light of international best
practice.
Activity area 3.5 Customer service
Measures will be undertaken improve the "customer service" provided by "front line" justice sector institutions such
as police stations and courts. The starting point will be customer service reviews which will consider issues such as
how to enhance the service provided to customers with special needs; and enhancing the "customer service" ethos of
justice sector institutions.
Activity area 3.6 Civil education
In conjunction with civil society organizations, activities will be undertaken to enhance legal awareness.
Consideration will be given to innovative methods of undertaking such education, for example through radio or
television soap operas.
Output 4 activities for enhanced citizens' trust in a justice system which respects their rights,
upholds their responsibilities, and meets their needs
Activity area 4.1- Law reporting
Transparency and public access to court decisions will be enhanced through the re-introduction of the Guyana law
reports.
Activity area 4.2 Accountability institutional framework
Independent complaints and oversight bodies with powers of investigation in to justice sector institutions will be
strengthened, and where necessary set up. This will include -
Strengthening the Guyana Police Complaints Authority, so that it has its own team of investigators, properly
equipped office and is empowered to investigate any case it considers is in the public interest.
Strengthening the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) by way of a Judicial Services Commission Act giving the
roles and responsibilities of the JSC statutory authority and providing the JSC with a permanent secretariat.
Strengthening the regulation of attorneys by undertaking a fundamental review of the Legal Practitioners' Act and
implementing reforms. The focus will not only be on the regulation of attorneys, but will also consider reform of
funding of civil litigation
Operationalising the Human Rights Commission provided for under the Constitution.
Activity area 4.3 Ethics
The relevant regulatory authorities will seek to enhance the ethics of the institutions in the sector through the
development and adoption of appropriate codes of conduct, with clear sanctions for their breach. Regional standards
will be adopted where appropriate.
Activity area 4.4 Communications
A communications strategy for the Justice Sector Reform Strategy will be developed and launched. The focus will
be on providing members of the public with clear measures of performance of justice sector institutions and of the
reform process through measures of progress against clearly defined performance targets.
Project implementation and risk mitigation activities
Mitigation of the risks that threaten the livelihood of the Justice Sector Reform Strategy will be vital for its successful
implementation. The Strategy's ability to manage those risks will be identified in addition to activities that will be
undertaken to mitigate them.
Structures for implementing the Strategy
A. Introduction
The Justice Sector Reform Strategy sets out an ambitious and far-reaching programme of reforms. However, the
Strategy will count for little if these reforms remain just ideas on paper. What counts is what can be implemented.
Designing and putting in place the right implementation structure will be essential to the Strategy's success. This
narrative describes how this will be done.
What the implementation structure must provide
The Strategy is an holistic approach to reforming and strengthening the justice sector, which involves a
cross-section of institutions. Its implementation structure should enable these institutions to work together effectively
towards common objectives, without compromising their operational, legal or constitutional independence.
The implementation structure must provide -
essential change management capacity to drive through reforms with trained change management teams
following a common methodology;
high level policy coordination so that justice sector reform policy is discussed, agreed and communicated to all
stakeholders;
effective engagement of key stakeholders in the reform process including Government, the Judiciary and civil
society;
effective prioritisation of reforms across the sector, so that scarce resources are used efficiently;
coordination and technical support to ensure that reform efforts are "joined-up", are undertaken in the right
sequence, and that resources are made available where and when required;
transparent, clear and accountable mechanisms for oversight, direction and implementation of the strategy; and
utilisation of existing governance structures as far as possible to avoid proliferation of ad-hoc task forces and
working groups.
C. The structure
The structure for implementing the JSRS is set out below. The key features of the structure are described below.
JSRS Steering Committee providing overall leadership
The JSRS Steering Committee will provide high level policy guidance and coordination for implementation of the
reform strategy. The Steering Committee brings together a small group of key policy makers from Government and
the Judiciary, and provides continuity with the group that led the development of the strategy. The Steering Committee
will provide an important high level forum for the various sector agencies to coordinate the overall reform, iron any
problems, ensure that the overall Strategy is being followed, and all organizations are delivering what they need to do
on time and within budget. It will meet quarterly to review progress and take any necessary policy decisions to guide
implementation.
Change Management Teams bringing together change agents
The capability to manage change is absolutely essential to any successful reform programme. Change
management is a different skill and requires a different approach to regular operational management. Generally,
the institutions of the Guyana justice sector are managed by highly committed individuals. But their main focus is
operational management within a severely resource-constrained environment. The demands of operational
management are, becoming overwhelming. In these circumstances, simply adding additional responsibility to bring
about major change would be counter-productive.
The Justice Sector Reform Strategy addresses this challenge by building change management capacity into the
implementation structure for the strategy. Change management teams will be established in each justice sector
institution or group of institutions. Led by the senior institutional decision maker, the teams will bring together key
change agents such as heads of departments and agencies, with a mandate to change their institutions in line with the
agreed strategic objectives. Subject to the overall strategic framework, the change management teams will be allowed
considerable independence to decide upon reform priorities, the allocation of resources, and the approach to tackling
reforms. The teams will be supported by professional long-term change management advisers, who will guide and
support the change management process in accordance with international best practice. (This will include strategy
development, top team development, project management, performance and process management.) A common
methodology for change management, designed specifically within the Guyana context, will apply across all teams in
the justice sector, coordinated by the JSRS Technical Secretariat.
JSRS Technical Secretariat providing coordination
The Technical Secretariat will provide coordination and technical support to all justice sector institutions and change
management teams. Specifically, the Technical Secretariat will -
ensure that complex reforms in different institutions are effectively linked, sequenced, managed, resource and
led, and in particular that issues of "joined-up justice" under Output 2 of the Strategy are properly addressed;
source additional technical assistance or other support as necessary to enable institutions to implement Justice
Sector Reform Strategy reforms;
ensure timely and appropriate monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of strategic performance, and ensure that this
performance is communicated to stakeholders;
provide a secretarial function for the JSRS Steering Committee, ensuring that the Committee has all necessary
information available to support its decisions;
coordinate donor agencies supporting the justice sector, including establishment of a justice sector donor group;
and
support the establishment of the Justice Sector Reference Group, and organise annual joint reviews of Justice
Sector Reform Strategy progress.
6.10 The Technical Secretariat will be staffed by a small number of justice sector technical specialists, including a
change management expert who will provide support to the change management teams described above. It will be
located in the Ministry of Legal Affairs, as the agency with overall policy responsibility for the administration of justice in
Guyana.
The National Commission on Law & Order engagement with other stakeholders
The Justice Sector Reform Strategy is primarily concerned with the reform and modernisation of the Judiciary and
other Government actors in the justice sector. But Government recognizes that reform will involve partnership with
other justice sector actors. Many groups from Government, the Judiciary, civil society, the private sector and donor
agencies have a stake in the success of the Justice Sector Reform Strategy. Effective engagement of these groups
will help build support for the strategy, increase transparency and address perceptions of bias or inappropriate motives
in the implementation of reforms.
The Government of Guyana's recently constituted National Commission on Law & Order is ideally placed to support
the engagement between justice sector institutions and these other stakeholders (see terms of reference in box 6.1
below) The membership of the National Commission is drawn from state and non-state actors and provides a
representative forum of justice sector stakeholders. The National Commission will be mandated to undertake a formal
annual review of the Strategy. The annual review will include donor agencies, as well as a wide grouping of civil
society organizations involved in the sector. The annual review will be a formal opportunity for all stakeholders to
monitor progress in the implementation of the Strategy; consider emerging issues in the sector; raise issues of
concern, and make practical suggestions to enhance the impact of reforms.
National Commission on Law & Order terms of reference
Implementation partners
For successful implementation of the Justice Sector Reform Strategy, the Government of Guyana's partnership with
civil society will need to go beyond the National Commission on Law & Order. The wider contribution that civil society
organizations can play in the implementation of the Strategy is outlined below.
How civil society can engage with the Justice Sector Reform Strategy
To take into consideration the various reports and consultations on crime which emerged over
the last_ few_ years, andto examine their status and relevance_ to_ present crime trends and
patterns,_ such_ as_the_ National Consultations_on_ Crime_ Report__ and_the_ Disciplined Forces
Commission Report.
To examine the status of the National Drug Strategy Master Plan 2005-2009 periodically, and to
make recommendations where necessary.
Review_ and identify_ problems_ and_ weaknesses_ in_the_ legislative,_ organisational_ and
administration of law and order, and propose creative and sustainable innovationsto_ remedy
the situation.
Utilise_ creative_ interventions_ where_ necessary_ and_ within_ reasonable_ means,_ to_ enable_ the
consultative, educational and participatory aspects of the Commission's work.
Evolve_ greater_ awareness_of_the_ multi-dimensional_ approaches_ required_to_fight_ crime,_ and
create safe communities and to encourage their greater involvement.
Make_annual_ reportstothe Government,_which can be_tabled in_ Parliament,_evaluating_the
performance of the body as well as evaluate the status of implementation of recommendations
and their impact on law and order.
In implementing the Strategy the Government of Guyana will seek to form partnerships not only with relevant local
organizations, but also with
organizations internationally who may be able to provide
expertise. One such example is the Guyana Law Association (UK), comprising
UK based members of the Guyanese legal diaspora. The Association has
already been involved in sending law books and computer equipment to
Guyana. In August 2005 the Association working with the Chief Justice
conducted UNDP sponsored workshops for magistrates and police prosecutors
in Guyana.
Monitoring and evaluation arrangements
The role that civil society organizations can play in collaborating with Government on policy issues
has been highlighted in the National Development Strategy, Poverty Reduction Strategy and
domestic violence task force processes. The contribution that civil society organizations bring to
the justice sector can be split into three broad roles -
As providers of services to users of the justice system: eg legal aid provision (see box 2.10
above for examples); as trainers eg Help & Shelter has been training new police recruits on
domestic violence issues;
As representatives of particular groups_of_citizens, most often those who do not appear to
have a "voice" in influencing decisions: eg Amerindian communities may need an interpreter in
order to understand the legal process; people with visual difficulties may need bigger signs;
those with physical disabilities may need an escort in accessing public buildings; and
As promoters of change, as lobbyists and advocates for improvement in the delivery of justice.
A. Introduction
This Chapter sets out the arrangements for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the Justice Sector Reform Strategy.
Effective monitoring and evaluation is vital to the success of the Strategy
The objectives of monitoring and evaluation of the Strategy are to -
measure progress towards the goal, purpose and outputs of the Strategy;
link with the on-going monitoring of the PRSP (through the Poverty Reduction Strategy coordination, Monitoring
and Evaluation Unit in the Office of the President);
evaluate progress against specific time bound targets;
provide timely, accurate and useful information to stakeholders on the status of implementation;
provide a basis for making informed decisions on the future direction of the Strategy, and in the development of
justice sector policy;
provide a consistent framework within which progress on all key Justice Sector Reform Strategy initiatives can be
assessed, compared and coordinated;
provide an entry point for civil society involvement in monitoring and therefore in prioritisation and resource
allocation;
assess the impact of specific Strategy interventions, and provide data for the design of new interventions; and
monitor key indicators in other programmes which are not primarily focused on the justice administration but which
are critical to the success of the Justice Sector Reform Strategy (e.g. pay reform under the public sector
modernisation programme).
All the institutional structures for the Strategy are involved in monitoring and evaluation
Monitoring and evaluation is integral to the institutional structure for implementation of the Strategy The key M&E
institutions are -
The JSRS Steering Committee providing M&E at the strategic level
The JSRS Steering Committee will provide strategic and policy level monitoring of the Strategy, bringing together
Government and the Judiciary at the highest level to assess progress against key JSRS indicators every quarter. The
Steering Committee will work to enhance the openness and transparency of its proceedings, to foster greater public
accountability for progress towards JSRS objectives.
The Technical Secretariat and Change Management Teams responsible for M&E on a day to day basis
The Technical Secretariat will be responsible for working with the change management teams to coordinate all M&E
processes for the Strategy, including -
developing of monitoring indicators and identification of suitable monitoring instruments (based on those set out in
the strategic framework at Annex A);
commissioning baseline and follow up studies;
commissioning impact assessments of specific interventions;
ensuring engagement by key stakeholders including all justice sector institutions and their users in the Strategy
M&E process;
preparing and disseminating M&E reports; and
providing M&E inputs for all justice sector aspects of the PRSP.
National Commission on Law & Order providing oversight and accountability
The membership of the National Commission on Law & Order is widely drawn from state and non-state actors to
provide a representative forum of justice sector stakeholders. The Commission will undertake regular monitoring of
progress on the implementation of the Justice Sector Reform Strategy. In addition the Commission will convene on an
annual basis a joint review of the Strategy with donor agencies. The aim of the review will be to receive M&E reports on
implementation progress and emerging issues in the sector. Consideration will be given to including a wider range of
stakeholders at the annual review than is possible at regular Commission meetings, to ensure that all stakeholders
(including as wide a range of civil society stakeholders as possible) have the opportunity to raise issues of concern,
and make practical suggestions to enhance the impact of reforms.
D. Performance indicators will allow progress to be measured
The key to successful monitoring is to have a clear understanding of the intended goals and objectives of the
programme. These are the verifiable basis for evaluating success; for assessing the reasons for any over or under
achievement; and for developing changes to objectives or to implementation priorities.
The Justice Sector Reform Strategy strategic framework, as well as explicitly setting out the Strategy's goal,
purpose and outputs, also sets out the performance indicators which will be used to assess progress towards the
goal, purpose and outputs, and the monitoring instruments which will be used to gather performance data.
The performance indicators elaborate the Strategy objectives in terms of quantity, quality, time and place. They focus
on important characteristics, defining performance standards, specifying evidence of achievement and providing the
basis for monitoring and evaluation.
The selection of indicators needs to be flexible, to reflect the fact that priorities are likely to change over time, and it
will be necessary to build on successful interventions and modify less successful ones. The development and
validation of monitoring instruments will be a key task of the Technical Secretariat, working with the change
management teams.
Monitoring instruments for gathering performance data
Proposed monitoring instruments in relation to each performance indicator are set out in the logical framework.
Identification of monitoring instruments is important, because to be useable, indicators must be based on obtainable
data. Means of verification must exist that are available, reliable, practical and affordable.
The aim has been to rely on more than one data source for each indicator. Relying on just one type of information -
for example, national statistics may give a distorted picture. Where possible, a variety of sources, such as user
surveys and third party reports have been included. Third party reports have the advantage of giving additional
credibility to the monitoring process.
As far as possible, in order to ensure cost-effective data collection, it is proposed that monitoring instruments that
are already in existence should be used for Justice Sector Reform Strategy monitoring. The aim should not be to
impose a new monitoring regime, but to link in with on-going processes.
A particular valuable survey instrument is the Caribbean-wide comparative survey of users and providers of justice
sector services, last undertaken under the auspices of the Caribbean Group for Cooperation in Economic
Development in 2000. This survey covers ten countries including Guyana, and provides detailed quantitative and
qualitative feedback on the perceptions of users and providers regarding the efficiency, effectiveness and accessibility
of services from a wide range of justice sector institutions. The 2000 survey provides a comprehensive, albeit slightly
out-of-date, baseline for the Justice Sector Reform Strategy. Future surveys utilising the same methodology, but
focused specifically on Guyana, will enable progress against this baseline to be determined.
Financing the Strategy
A. Introduction
The Strategy will have significant implications for the Government of Guyana budget, both in terms of resources
required to implement the strategy, and the budgeting processes within the justice sector. This chapter considers
these implications, and describes how they will be addressed during implementation of the strategy.
The aim is for improved resource allocation to and across the sector
Guyana is making strides towards improving its resource allocation process through the development of a medium
term expenditure framework (MTEF). The process is still weak, and the Ministry of Finance is working to strengthen it,
and to use the MTEF as a tool to align PRSP priorities with resource allocations.
The current resource allocation system for the justice sector in Guyana is far from satisfactory. There are conflicting
budgetary priorities and inadequate government income. The justice sector has to compete with other priorities that
Government has to fund. Approved budgets are lower than estimated expenditure for the year (for example the Police
estimate that they receive 60% of their required funding). But the case made out for increased funding across the
justice sector tends to be weak, with little justification provided for additional funds in terms of achievement of agreed
objectives. In order to break this vicious circle the Justice Sector Reform Strategy is intended to strengthen planning
mechanisms institutionally and as a sector and facilitate the process of linking budget planning to agreed strategic
aims.
Resources in the sector must be used efficiently
Resources available for public services in Guyana are severely constrained. Sound macroeconomic management
and economic growth, combined with strengthened public financial management should increase the public resource
base over the medium term. But justice sector reform needs to start immediately. It is therefore essential to utilise
available resources as efficiently as possible, and to make a clear and compelling case for sector priorities given the
many competing demands for public expenditure.
Efficient prioritisation of resources will be achieved by -
focusing on cost-free activities where policy, administrative or procedural decisions and actions can advance
reforms without the need for additional expenditure;
achieving cost savings by eliminating inefficiency and unnecessary processes identified through business
process mapping;
working towards integrated, sector-wide, output-oriented budgeting, so that all resources for the sector
(Government and donor; grant and loan; operational and development) are rationally allocated across sector
institutions according to agreed strategic priorities.
The main sources of funds are Government and donors
The main sources of funding for the Justice Sector Reform Strategy are the Government of Guyana and donor
partners; though other groups may make important contributions in specific areas (for example, local NGOs providing
training for police staff).
GoG finances the operational costs (wages and other charges) of the sector, plus some capital costs, by allocating
public resources through the annual budget process. Public resources allocated in this way include significant
revenue from fines imposed by Courts. Public resources are augmented by general budget support provided by
donors either as concessionary loans or grants.
In addition to general budget support, donors may provide support directly to the justice sector, usually of an
investment nature. These funds may be provided under loan or grant arrangements, and are generally reflected in the
GoG development budget as a memorandum item. current and planned donor support to the justice sector is outlined
below.
The Strategy enables alignment of all justice sector funding under a single coordinated framework
The Justice Sector Reform Programme is designed as framework to enable all significant funding for the sector
(both from Government and donors) to be aligned to support a single sector policy and coordinated expenditure
framework, under Government leadership. The intention of Guyana's public financial management reforms is to
develop the MTEF so that it provides an integrated resource allocation mechanism for all sectors. When this
framework is operational it should be possible to allocate a single "resource envelope" incorporating all available funds
to, and across, the justice sector according to identified service delivery priorities. This will enable trade-offs between
alternative uses of funds for example, pay reform versus capital investment to be made more systematically and
transparently.
In the meantime, it is necessary to set up practical financing mechanisms for the Justice Sector Reform Strategy.
Given overall resource constraints, it is unlikely that substantial additional resources will be available from Government
for the sector in the near future. Hence the initial focus will be in three areas -
reforms which are essentially cost-free;
reforms which can be self financing through efficiency savings or revenue enhancement (e.g. Court user fee
reform); and
reforms which can be financed through donor support to the justice sector
Justice Sector Reform Strategy
Strategic framework
Planning period: 5 years: 2006- 2010
Budget: US$ 10.5 million
Goal:
Safety, security and access to justice for all
Purpose:
To deliver a justice system that is more trusted,
accessible and accountable and works together to deliver
all necessary services efficiently and effectively
Scores and rank for effectiveness of justice system/rule
of law in periodic international surveys
Score and rank in Transparency International surveys
relating to justice sector corruption
World Bank Cost of Doing Business indicators
Crime statistics
Public perceptions of safety, security & access to
justice
Proportion of poorest 10% of households with positive
attitude to justice system
Eg World bank C
Economist Intelli(
Forum
Transparency Inti
reports
World Bank Cost
National statistics
User perception t
User perception I
Outut/rsus
1. Enhanced capacity of justice sector institutions to
deliver services efficiently and effectively
-road safety statistics
- numbers of Police fatal shootings
-number of serious crimes reported (% violent crimes;
crimes against women etc)
- no. of cases prosecuted as a proportion of cases
reported
- case clear-up rate
- proportion of successful Police and DPP prosecutions
- proportion of prisoners on remand
- proportion of High Court and Magistrates Court cases
(including preliminary inquires) > year old, > years old
- backlog of Court of Appeal cases
- average numbers of adjournments for more than one
day of Magistrates and High court cases
- proportion of High Court and Magistrates Court cases
referred to ADR
- time taken for cost assessments in civil cases
- proportion of defendants bailed
- level of use of probation orders and community service
orders
- level of prison overcrowding
- prisoners' death / illness rates
- recidivism levels
- number of judicial review cases per annum
- level of client satisfaction with performance of AG's
chambers in respect of legal advice and representation
provided
Institution's stati.
Surveys
2. Strengthened linkages between justice sector
institutions
- efficiency savings achieved in justice sector
- extent of application of efficiency savings within sector
- time and cost of key justice sector processes eg
arrest through to sentencing or acquittal for specific
categories of crime; average time taken to process
court cases
- numbers and quality of meetings between justice
sector institutions
-proportion of magistrates, judges, probation officers and
police with ability to resolve cases involving juveniles
with respect for human rights and international standards
- proportion of juvenile offenders in appropriate care
Annual Reports o
Ministry of Finant
End to end proce
Minutes of JSRS
Savings Team, Ic
and court user cc
UNICEF statistics
Prison, Probation
3. Improved access to justice especially for the poor and Survey of perceptions of barriers to justice among User perception I
vulnerable different categories of citizen, including poor and
vulnerable groups
Quality, coverage and uptake of legal aid services Legal aid project
line and follow up
Quality, coverage and uptake of ADR Annual report -
Centre; user perc
studies
4. Enhanced citizens' trust in a justice system which Level of citizen's trust in and satisfaction with different User perception I
respects their rights, upholds their responsibilities, and components of system (courts, police, lawyers etc)
meets their needs
Improved human rights outcomes Transparency Inti
reports
Government of Guyana Justice Sector Reform Strategy
Action Plan 2006-2010
Summary costing
Indicative costing, US$OOOs
Phase 1 Phases 2 & 3 T
Years 1 & 2 Years 3, 4 & 5
Output 1: 3,505 2,690
Enhanced capacity of justice sector institutions to deliver services
efficiently and effectively
Output 2: 1,445 1,220
Strengthened linkages between justice sector institutions
Output 3: 565 650
Improved access to justice especially for the poor and vulnerable
Output 4: 290 140
Enhanced citizens' trust in a justice system which respects their
rights, upholds their responsibilities and meets their needs
Total all output areas 5,805 4,700
Costing notes
1. Costs are stated in thousands of US$
2. The costing includes only incremental capital and operating costs of implementing the Justice Sector
Strategy which it is envisaged will be financed through the IDB Justice Sector Modernisation Loan The
costing does not include routine recurrent Government of Guyana expenditures (such as salaries for
serving civil servants), nor expenditure in the sector by way of the Government of Guyana's Public
Sector Investment Programme, which for 2005 is shown in the budget estimates as standing at
approximately US$340,000.
3. The costing is based on the estimated cost of implementing Strategy activities which are not already
provided for under other programmes. Where other sources of financing exist, these are indicated in the
Action Plan.
4. Costs for the phase 1 (the first two years) of the Strategy are analysed into major cost categories on an
indicative basis. Indicative costs are computed using the following estimated unit costs:
Development of computerised systems: $5,000 per user
Training: $50 per participant-day
Technical assistance/consultancy (short term): $1,500 per person-day (average rate for local
& international consultants, inclusive of expenses)
Technical assistance (long term advisers): $150,000 per person-year
5. Where an activity has been identified for action, but no funding source has been identified, this is
indicated by an "x" in the Action Plan. Some such activities may be funded through the Government's
Public Sector Investment Programme.
32
|