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Press statement by Mr. Basil Williams, MP: Strengthening of the Judiciary

Press statement by Mr. Basil Williams, MP: Strengthening of the Judiciary

Hits: 3632 | Published Date: 06 Mar, 2014

| Speech delivered at:

| Speech Delivered by : Hon. Basil Williams, MP

A Partnership for National Unity welcomes the President’s decision to increase the number of Puisine Judges to 20, in order to expedite trials and cut back on the backlog of criminal and civil cases. APNU continues to advocate strongly for a strong and independent Judiciary. In June 2012, APNU passed a Motion calling on the National Assembly to ensure that the Judiciary receives its funding directly from the Consolidated Fund. Under the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act -2003, the Supreme Court is a budget Agency under the Schedule of Estimates in the Budget. By making it a Budget Agency the PPP administration has made the Judiciary subordinate to the Legislature and the Executive. The Principal Act (FMAA-2003) is contrary to the separation of powers and infringes on Articles 222 and 228 of the Constitution of Guyana. APNU, therefore, calls on President Donald Ramotar (if he is serious about strengthening the Judiciary), to do all that is necessary to ensure that the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Bills 2012 and 2013; which were passed by a Majority in the National Assembly are re-tabled and assented to.

APNU also calls on President Donald Ramotar to do all that is necessary to expedite the process that will have the following bills re-tabled, and given Presidential assent; The Constitutional Amendment Bill 2013 and the Former President’s Benefits Amendments Bill 2012.