McCalla Welcomes Opening of Justice Offices in Montego Bay

Jamaica’s Chief Justice, Hon. Zaila McCalla, has welcomed the opening of offices for three key departments of the Ministry of Justice at 42B Union Street in Montego Bay.

These are the Supreme Court Western Regional Registry, the Montego Bay Legal Aid Clinic, and the Western Administrator General’s Department.

Speaking at a ceremony to officially open the facilities on Tuesday (July 7), Mrs. McCalla said the offices have been “long in coming” to satisfy the high demand in western Jamaica for the services offered.

The Chief Justice was particularly pleased about the Supreme Court Registry which, she said, will initially accommodate the filing of civil matters, including commercial, probate and matrimonial cases.

“For many years, there has been talk of the need for a registry in this region. It has been long in coming and our presence here signals that it has become a reality…this is indeed a wonderful accomplishment,” she said.

She informed that staff is being identified for the registry, which should be up and running within two weeks.

Administrator General, Lona Brown, for her part, noted that the setting up of an office to serve the western region will enhance service delivery, as residents will be able to access the services provided by the department in their own location.

She informed that the Montego Bay office will be staffed with two property administrators and one case officer with the start-up of operations slated for early September.