Guyana launches its first Mental Health Court
a rehabilitative, child-sensitive milestone
Georgetown, Guyana (June 26, 2025) – With technical support and funding from UNICEF, the Judiciary of Guyana and the Government on June 26 launched the country’s first Mental Health Court, an inclusive, therapeutic, and child-sensitive pathway within the criminal justice system.
Though it does not have a dedicated physical location, the mental health processes will be streamlined across respective magistrates' courts in Guyana.
Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings‑Edwards, explained that the Court embraces therapeutic jurisprudence, fostering holistic, compassionate responses rather than punitive outcomes.
“The Court is not here only to try a case, lock you up… It is a more holistic, healing procedure which we undertake in our various treatment courts.”
Justice Cummings‑Edwards had first announced the Court during the ceremonial opening of the 2025 legal year. She emphasized that standard legal proceedings often fail to consider the unique challenges faced by persons with mental health conditions.
The Mental Health Court complements a suite of national initiatives including the Mental Health Website, 915 Suicide Prevention Hotline, and Mental Health Matters animated series launched in May to dismantle stigma and expand access to prevention, education, and long-term care. Attending the court opening, UNICEF Representative for Guyana and Suriname a.i, Gabriel Vockel, emphasized that this initiative marks a new era of compassion and dignity at the intersection of mental health and justice.
“The Court is not merely a pilot, it is a foundational shift toward an inclusive, rehabilitative legal system, especially critical for individuals with psychosocial or intellectual disabilities,” Vockel said.
He added, “UNICEF stands proud… honoured to have provided technical assistance and funding… to support a broader vision of a justice system that is truly inclusive, rehabilitative and child-sensitive.”
He noted that the Court is in harmony with Guyana’s Mental Health Protection and Promotion Act 2022, which ensures equal access to justice, and it advances Sustainable Development Goals 3 (good health and well‑being) and 16 (peaceful, inclusive societies)
Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, added that the Court reinforces the Act’s policy framework and fortifies Guyana’s commitments under international human rights conventions.
He noted, “The opening of the Mental Health Court is an outstanding testament to the evolution and maturity to holistically address the issue of mental health in Guyana… This comes on the heels of the recently opened Children’s Court at Charity Magistrate Court, an initiative geared towards ensuring the full implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act.”
The launch ceremony was attended by representatives from UNICEF, the US Embassy, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MOHSSS), the Ministry of Health, the Judiciary, the Guyana Prison Service, Guyana Police Force, and the Ministry of Legal Affairs signaling a strong multi‑sectoral support.
What the court opening means for Guyana?
- For individuals: Access to justice with sensitivity to mental health, offering personalized rehabilitation instead of incarceration.
- For families and communities: Reduction of stigma, improved psychosocial outcomes, and strengthened local support systems.
- For the country: Alignment with UN human rights standards and global development targets, demonstrating leadership in social justice innovation.
UNICEF remains committed to supporting Guyana’s evolving mental health and justice framework from prevention and education to rehabilitation ensuring no one is left behind.
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