Court President Iwan Rasoelbaks says that decentralisation of the judiciary can now take place. He states that the judiciary can be organised across several parts of Suriname. The legal scholar spoke this morning at the extraordinary public session marking the opening of the 2027 judicial year.
He believes that frictions and constructive consultations between the executive and judicial branches are the reason why the Court of Justice has grown considerably in terms of capacity. The legal scholar referred to the swearing-in of 15 acting members of the Court of Justice earlier this week. It is a special milestone, Rasoelbaks believes.
Despite the addition of 15 new judges, the number must reach 60, according to Rasoelbaks. He emphasises that, for proper administration of justice, the standard of one judge per 10,000 residents is applied. With 60 judges for Suriname, the population of 600,000 residents will be adequately covered. In 2027, a four-year judicial training programme will once again begin.
Advocate-General Astrid Niamat, who stood in for Attorney General Garcia Paragsingh, states that the Public Prosecution Service is not guided by fear, arbitrariness and personal interests, but by the law, expertise, integrity and professionalism. According to the jurist, the Public Prosecution Service understands that its work is meaningful to society. “The challenges are considerable.” Expectations are high. “But our responsibility is clear.”
Niamat expressed hope that all actors and chain partners will also jointly and devotedly carry this responsibility in the coming judicial year. The Dean of the Surinaamse Orde van Advocaten (SOVA), Elleson Fraenk, addressed critical words to her colleagues, urging them to continue providing the necessary support to trainee lawyers and also make themselves available for free legal aid.
