Our Services
The Linden Legal Aid Centre provides legal advice and representation to the residents of Region #10 who cannot afford a private attorney in all criminal matters excluding sexual offences and offences involving the cultivation, possession, sale, trafficking or otherwise dealing in narcotics as prohibited by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances(Control) Act, Chapter 35:11 of the Laws of Guyana. With reference to civil matters, legal assistance is provided in all cases except land matters, in particular, prescriptive title.
Special priority is afforded to juveniles and children in conflict with the law, victims of domestic violence, the elderly and the disabled. Children who are victims of domestic and sexual violence are afforded legal representation in court and counseling to help them withstand the ordeal of court proceedings that can last for years, and result in irreparable damage and revictimization in the pursuit of justice.
The Centre is currently preparing to address the upsurge in sexual violence against children, police brutality and the violation of the constitutional and human rights of children. The degrading and dehumanizing conditions which children are forced to endure while awaiting trial, the physical abuse and torture of children in police custody and the detention of children in the same facility with adults require urgent and immediate remedial action.
Victim Assistance
Children's Support Group
In June 2009, the Centre issued an appeal for volunteers in the community to help establish a support group for vulnerable children who are victims of crime or who have been orphaned by crime.
Our Staff
Liza Maria Hanoman
Staff Attorney
Liza Maria Hanoman obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Guyana in 2006 and graduated from the Sir Hugh Wooding Law School with the Legal Education Certificate in 2008. Before pursuing studies in law, Liza obtained a Diploma in Social Work (1998) and a Bachelor of Social Work degree (2002) from the University of Guyana. She joined the staff of the Linden Legal Aid Centre in March, 2009.
Cherill Vanessa Sears
Legal Clerk and Office Manager
Cherill Vanessa Sears attended the Wismar/Christianburg Multilateral High School and Parris' Business Institute. She joined the staff of the Linden Legal Aid Centre in January 2008.
Romaine Ross
Accounts Clerk
Romaine Ross graduated from the New Silver City Secondary School and the Mackenzie High School with ten (10) subjects at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examination including Principles of Accounts which he passed with distinction, and the Business Certificate. Romaine has since pursued further studies in Accounts and successfully completed the Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) examinations at levels 1,2,3,5,and 6. He joined the staff of the Linden Legal Aid Centre in September, 2009.
Rhonda Loretta Coppin née Reynolds
Custodian/Caretaker
Rhonda Loretta Coppin attended the Mackenzie Primary School and is also a professional (certified) cosmetologist. She joined the staff of the Linden Legal Aid Centre in January, 2008.