The Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana reports that 126 criminal cases are listed for trial at the January 2026 sitting of the Demerara Criminal Assizes, reflecting a continued decline in the caseload over the past four years.
In January 2023, the Assizes had 308 cases, overseen by three judges. This fell to 259 cases in 2024, 134 in 2025, and now 126 for 2026, which will be managed by four judges.
The reduction follows institutional reforms, including the June 2024 appointment of 10 new puisne judges, the largest single judicial appointment in Guyana’s history. These new appointments have increased the High Court’s capacity to hear civil and criminal matters, allowing cases to be processed more quickly.
While the Demerara Criminal Assizes continue to handle a substantial volume of serious criminal cases, the Supreme Court noted that the enhanced judicial complement and improved case management systems have contributed to reduced trial waiting times and more timely adjudication.
The downward trend in cases underscores the impact of strategic investments in judicial resources and the importance of effective operational coordination in strengthening justice delivery in Guyana.
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