The need for change in the local judicial system, particularly the expediting of information on ongoing matters, was emphasised by Senior Counsel, Keith Massiah on Tuesday.

Massiah opined that instead of judges having to take notes during hearings, this duty should be designated to a clerk, as is the case in foreign courts, so that the "process of administration" could be enhanced.

The lawyer made the remarks during a brief pause at the trial of Peter Seales, charged with the December 23, 1995 murder of Vishundat Chandradat, which is currently being heard before Justice Claudette La Bennett.

Massiah further suggested to Vice-President of the Guyana Bar Association (GBA), Nigel Hughes, who is appearing on the accused's behalf, that the issue could be added to the list of those that the organisation may seek to review.

At the recently concluded two-day GBA Law Conference, which included such speakers as Chancellor of the Judiciary, Desiree Bernard, Chief Justice Carl Singh, GBA President Anande Trotman, and former attorney-general of Trinidad and Tobago, Senior Counsel Ramesh Maharaj, several recommendations were made for improvements to the local judiciary.

The forum, which ended last Sunday at Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel, was held under the theme - 'Redefining Our Objectives in Contemporary Society'.