Number of Appeal Court Judges to be Increased

Cabinet has approved a recommendation for the maximum number of Judges of the Court of Appeal to be increased to 10.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing, yesterday (June 4), at Jamaica House, Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia Grange, noted that this measure would increase the capacity of the Appeal Court to address, in a timely manner, its increased case load.
This also forms part of a broader strategy to achieve significant improvement in the administration of the justice system.
“Approval was also given for the issuing of drafting instructions to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel for the necessary amendments to the Judicature (Appellate Jurisdiction) Act, to give effect to the proposal,” Miss Grange informed.
In the meantime, Cabinet approved the award of a contract for the supply of external audit services to the National Water Commission (NWC). Also, a contract in the sum of $50,234,800 was awarded to KPMG for the provision of external audit services to the NWC for an initial period of seven years.
KPMG is a global network of professional services firms that offer audit, tax and advisory services.
Additionally, Ackendown Newtown Development Company Limited (ANDCo.) (Sandals Whitehouse Hotel) has been awarded a contract for placement of an insurance coverage.
Cabinet also gave approval for the award of a contract in the sum of US$999,648 to Allied Insurance Brokers Limited (AIB).
“This contract relates to the provision of insurance coverage for ANDCo., in respect of the Sandals Whitehouse Hotel for the three-year period 2008/09 to 2010/11,” Miss Grange said.