$558 Million Spent in 2024/25 to Renovate and Improve Courts

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Delroy Chuck, is reporting that in the last financial year (2024/25), the Government spent $558 million to renovate and improve courts.

Mr. Chuck made the disclosure during a statement to the House of Representatives on January 13.

The Minister was responding to comments made by Chief Justice, Hon. Bryan Sykes, who has once again highlighted concerns regarding Court infrastructure.

Mr. Chuck informed that there are 57 Courts across Jamaica, and that outside the Supreme Court, the vast majority are more than 100 years old.

“But for the effects of the devastating hurricane, most of them are in the best shape they have ever been. We have spent significant sums for the major renovation and improvement of some of these Courts,” Mr. Chuck said.

“Some of the courts that have seen marked improvement in just the last two years include, the St. Catherine Parish Court (Linstead), Manchester Parish Court (Cross Keys), Clarendon Parish Court, Portland Parish Court (Bryan’s Bay) and the St. Ann Family Court,” he continued.

Notwithstanding the significant progress, Mr. Chuck acknowledged that upgrading is still needed in many courts across the island.

He said it is anticipated that the recent changes in the procurement law will allow undertaking major renovation works to be a quicker process, as the Ministry looks to undertake even more meaningful upgrading.

“One of the real issues is that of maintenance of the court facilities. Maintenance of court facilities is a responsibility of the Court Administration Division (CAD). The CAD, I understand, has always been provided with the funds requested from the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service. I strongly urge CAD to request adequate funds to cover the maintenance needs of the Courts, inclusive of repairs and replacement of furniture and equipment,” Mr. Chuck continued.

Meanwhile, Mr. Chuck said Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction, mainly in the western end of the island.

Three parish courts in Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth and Trelawny were either totally or substantially damaged.

“We are proposing that new courthouses will need to be constructed in these parishes. We don’t know where in St. Elizabeth the courthouse will be appropriately located, but it cannot be where it is now. That courthouse was destroyed… the Falmouth court cannot be repaired,” he noted.

The Minister said that the Ministry’s team will need to work in close collaboration with the Chief Justice and his team to identify suitable locations, adding that the necessary allocation will be requested for these new constructions.

“I hasten to add that work is well under way for new courts in St. Thomas, Manchester and St. Catherine. The work towards a first-class justice system continues. I look forward to the support of all stakeholders as we strive to make it a reality in the very near future,” Mr. Chuck said.