The Canadian Government-funded, Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean (IMPACT Justice) Project took its community mediation training programme to Guyana in a bid to build capacity for community mediation services in the region.
Two 40-hour workshops took place simultaneously from October 10th – 14th: one for officers of the Ministry of Social Protection at the Guyana Marriott Hotel and the other for police officers at the Duke Lodge Hotel. Both sessions commenced with an Opening Ceremony at 8.30 a.m on October 10th.
The Honourable Volda Lawrence, Minister of Social Protection, delivered Remarks on behalf of the Government of Guyana at the session for officers of the Ministry of Social Protection. She told participants that the training is timely since it will help to reduce the number of cases in the court. “It is a fact that on a daily basis our probation officers and social workers including our child care and protection workers, are faced with a multiplicity of issues for which they are not adequately prepared. Even I, am stunned with some of the issues which pass across my desk…I believe what is learned here will help us,” the Minister said.
Minister Lawrence said the Government of Guyana applauds the Government of Canada for funding the training which will result in “an improved gender responsive framework and upgraded skills for the legal professions in CARICOM member states and build services for settling disputes.”
Both sessions ended with a joint Closing Ceremony on October 14th.
