Work to commence soon on Justice Centre in Spanish Town

Speaking with JIS News, following his presentation at a National Public Education Symposium in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, today (November 20), the Minister said additional spaces are available at 42 Young Street to house a justice complex.

“We are going to renovate it into a Justice Centre, and alongside it, we are going to put up a new Family Court,” the Minister disclosed, adding that construction for the court building will commence during the next financial year.

He said consultation is ongoing with the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), to ensure that remodelling of the building is done in line with heritage protocols.

The Minister told the ceremony that $40 million was spent to improve the St. Catherine Parish Court in Spanish Town, and shortly, $80 million will be spent on the Clarendon Parish Court.

He added that billions of dollars will be disbursed over the next three years to facilitate work that should result in five new courts being completed across the island, adding that facilities at the Office of the Director of Public Persecutions (DPP) will be upgraded in the next fiscal year.

“Once we provide the facilities, we expect those who work in the courts to provide first-class service, and that customer service must be at the forefront of how we treat the citizens of Jamaica,” Mr. Chuck told the audience.

The Minister emphasised that at no time should staff members display any form of bad behaviour to persons who seek assistance at the courts.

The forum was organised by the Court Management Services as part of its thrust to educate the public about the processes and procedures of the courts of Jamaica. The initiative seeks to reposition the courts as institutions that are part of the community.

To date, six parishes have had symposiums where residents benefited from services provided by the various agencies in the security and justice sectors.