By J Hamilton, Attorney at Law
This post is in reference to Devon Dick’s article entitled: Withdraw, Honourable Lightbourne, published in The Gleaner on May 26, 2011. Click here to see article:
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110526/cleisure/cleisure2.html
Reverend Devon Dick in his defence of Jeremy Taylor, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (Taylor) – see article, “Withdraw, Honourable Lightbourne” dated May 26, 2011 - characterised Minister Lightbourne’s (the Minister) comments on Taylor’s advice and Verna McGraw’s evidence at the Manatt enquiry as “unfortunate and unfounded”.
He asserts that Taylor was correct in advising the ‘US’ not to apply for a provisional warrant to arrest Coke since he might have had to be released after 60 days, as in the ‘Tony Ashman’ case; and that it was wrong to suggest that there was a causal relationship between that advice and the deaths in Tivoli. It was also wrong for the Minister to imply that McGraw’s email was a forgery or the product of a conspiracy. The Minister should, in consequence, withdraw those allegations.
It is clear that Reverend Dick did not listen to the Minister’s evidence as carefully as he should have, or review the relevant “transcripts” before rushing into print. Had he done so he would have appreciated that ‘context’ gives a different colour to the comments he considered “unfortunate and unfounded.”
The comment on Taylor’s advice, for example, arose as a result of the cross examination of the Minister by K D Knight. It was he who made the allegation that the Minister was responsible for causing the deaths in Tivoli because of her delay in handling the Coke extradition. The Minister’s response to Knight was that if, indeed, there was a causal relationship, then he should focus on the genesis of the delay, that is Taylor’s advice to the ‘US’.
Taylor testified that the ‘US’ regarded Coke’s extradition as so urgent, that prior to submitting the request they sought his advice on the best way to proceed –whether an application for the provisional arrest of Coke should be made or a formal request for his extradition be made.
The Extradition Act (the Act) has clear and articulate provisions for dealing with requests which are urgent: by invoking those provisions Coke would have been arrested immediately and detained for at least sixty (60) days. More importantly, the Security forces would have been able during this period to mobilize and make whatever arrangements were necessary to keep the peace. The Act also required the US to submit the authenticated documents detailing the evidence within this period so that the Minister could determine whether to issue the Notice to proceed.
Adoption of the formal procedure obliged the Minister to ensure that the request complied with the statutory requirements of the Act, and that the evidence submitted justified Coke’s extradition.
Inexplicably, Taylor advised the “US” to use the formal procedure. The immediate effect was to stymie whatever plans the Security forces had to arrest Coke since they could not do so until the Minister issued the ‘Notice to Proceed; and the statutory time period (60 days) which would have impelled the parties towards expediting the process, was no longer relevant.
Evidence of the subsequent scrambling and anxious enquiries by the then Commissioner of Police, Major Cole and Taylor himself as to whether the Minister had signed the ‘Notice to proceed’ even before she had received the authenticated documents, is ample testimony that the procedure advised and adopted was not apt to deal with the factual circumstances.
Consider also that it was likely that Coke knew of the request since it was sent to persons other than those contemplated by the Act, and so unwittingly gave him time to marshall and refine his plans.
I suggest that Reverend Dick re-consider Taylor’s advice in the context of the law and facts extant, and determine how he would now characterise it – good or bad.
As to his comments on the causal relationship, his strictures should be directed at K D Knight, the person who authored it, and not the Minister.
The short answer to Lord Gifford’s submission that Coke might have had to be released if the requesting State failed to submit the evidence within sixty (60) days is that this is in accord with the provisions of ‘the Act’, the general law and the presumption of innocence and is a matter for commendation not censure.
The principle is further reinforced by the provision in the Act which recognizes the right to refuse a request, simply on the basis that the person is a Jamaican citizen.
Further, it is pure speculation that if Coke had to be released in the circumstances posited the result would be as dire as implied. Note also that the Act provides for a person to be re-arrested when the evidence is received and the Notice to proceed issued.
The issue raised in the ‘Tony Ashman’ case is misunderstood: put simply, the Magistrate made an Order to extradite Ashman on the basis of a provisional warrant – that is before the extradition proceedings commenced. Extradition proceedings commence with the issue of the Notice to proceed, and the Minister had issued none since she had not received the evidence on which to do so. The Minister could not, in the circumstances, sign the Order to extradite Ashman.
Further Ashman’s case arose in the ‘UK’ and so the time limit of 60 days was not applicable. Any time limit, would have had to be imposed by the Magistrate and this was not done.
The application to the Supreme Court therefore proceeded on a wrong premise and should not have been granted.
I am advised that the Minister has received the authenticated documents and the Order has now been signed.
It is not factual that the Minister withdrew the comment attributed to K D Knight that “all Labourite fe dead”. A review of the relevant transcript will confirm this.
Reverend Dick is correct in concluding that Ms McGraw “must have followed someone’s instructions”. Consider the following -
(a) the email was tendered by Leys Attorney although there was nothing in it to support his client’s case: nor was it put to Leys in examination-in-chief.
(b) the email was sent to the Solicitor General and copied to Brady. It is beyond comprehension why the Minister should be advising her adviser on extradition procedures and copying a person who has no formal connection with the Ministry.
(c) Ms Lightbourne had at the time an officer who was the holder of the substantive post of Executive Secretary and who dealt with her emails on a computer dedicated for the purpose. The email in question was issued from McGraw’s computer and includes no reference to the Minister
(d) Ms Mcgraw’s temporary assignment to the Minister’s Secretariat was at least 2 grades above her substantive post. Investigations will confirm that she performed at the level of a copy typist despite her ego boosting statements at the Enquiry.
(e) her employment at the Ministry pre-dated the appointment of the Minister. Her employment at the Commission while still in the employ of the Ministry was unfortunate since it created an opportunity for her to renew ‘old’ acquaintances and possibly amenable to mischief.
Reverend Dick has stated explicitly why he felt it necessary to come to Taylor’s defence - his Baptist antecedents – even before the Commission has reported; but in doing so he should be fair and not seek to buttress his views by the eclectic selection of evidence.
I am sure that on reflection Reverend Dick will appreciate that he did Minister Lightbourne a grave injustice, and that he will follow his own advice and make appropriate amends.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Colonel MacMillan, a Statesman
Colonel Trevor MacMillan’s entire life was spent in dedication to the public service and the public good. We have, undoubtedly, lost another outstanding public servant, an extraordinary human being and a statesman.
In 1959 at the age of nineteen (19) he joined the Jamaica Defence Force and served for twenty seven (27) years. From 1990- 1993 he served as the director of the Revenue Protection Division of the Ministry of Finance.
In 1993 he was appointed Commissioner of Police (CP) with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). He was the first person outside of the JCF to hold that position. He served therein until 1996. This service is as a testament to the integrity, leadership and strength of character for which he was known.
Colonel MacMillan was a man who stood for justice, accountability, professionalism and fought against corruption in the public service, especially during his tenure as commissioner of police.
During this period (as CP) he sought to change the culture of the police force in ensuring that police officers were respectful in the manner in which they treated citizens; and that they acted honestly and fairly. He was also one of the founding members of the human rights group – Jamaicans For Justice in 1999 where he continued his commitment to helping to maintain a fair justice system.
For his service to Jamaica he was honoured with the Order of Distinction in the rank of officer in 1983. In 1986 was awarded the Medal of Honour for general service, and in 1997 he was conferred the order of distinction in the rank of commander.
In 2006 Colonel MacMillan was appointed to the Senate by the Jamaica Labour Party as an opposition senator. From May 2008 to April 2009, he served alongside me in the Senate as a government senator and in the Cabinet as Minister of National Security.
During this time he was extremely supportive of my efforts. He contributed to and supported the Protected Disclosures (Whistbleblower) Act, the Independent Commission of Investigations Act - where he sat on the joint select committee; and the Special Prosecutors Act which embody values that Colonel MacMillan championed his entire life – discipline, accountability, integrity and honesty in the public service and the constabulary force.
He also was instrumented in drafting The Report of the National Committee on Crime in 2002 and in 2006 led the Special Task Force on Crime in drafting The Road Map to a Safe and Secure Jamaica. Many of the recommendations are being pursued by the Government and my Ministry, and include the key suggestion to deepen the independence of the judiciary implemented by the creation of the Court Management Service (CMS). He also advocated for greater use of technology in the Jamaican courts and especially bemoaned that judgments were delayed while awaiting the reports which had to be written by long hand. Technological advancements have come to fruition in our implementation of Real Time Court Reporting.
Apart from his hard work professionally, he was a family man and enjoyed being a father and husband. He was always friendly and enjoyed socialising.
While he was prompt, disciplined and always on time, he never missed a party and could always be seen dancing and really enjoying himself. He knew how to have fun and when to have fun.
As I pay tribute to the life of Colonel MacMillan let us always remember his decades of service to the Government, the country, his community, friends and family.
As a country we are all deeply saddened by the loss of a committed citizen of Jamaica and we mourn with his family and loved ones; but we are comforted in the knowledge that as he lived so has he died - peacefully.
His memory and legacy will indeed continue to touch the lives of all those who knew and loved him.
I extend my sincere condolences to his wife Dr. Olivia MacMillan and his children Gary, Jeremy and Lori-Ann MacMillan in their loss and grief.
In 1959 at the age of nineteen (19) he joined the Jamaica Defence Force and served for twenty seven (27) years. From 1990- 1993 he served as the director of the Revenue Protection Division of the Ministry of Finance.
In 1993 he was appointed Commissioner of Police (CP) with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). He was the first person outside of the JCF to hold that position. He served therein until 1996. This service is as a testament to the integrity, leadership and strength of character for which he was known.
Colonel MacMillan was a man who stood for justice, accountability, professionalism and fought against corruption in the public service, especially during his tenure as commissioner of police.
During this period (as CP) he sought to change the culture of the police force in ensuring that police officers were respectful in the manner in which they treated citizens; and that they acted honestly and fairly. He was also one of the founding members of the human rights group – Jamaicans For Justice in 1999 where he continued his commitment to helping to maintain a fair justice system.
For his service to Jamaica he was honoured with the Order of Distinction in the rank of officer in 1983. In 1986 was awarded the Medal of Honour for general service, and in 1997 he was conferred the order of distinction in the rank of commander.
In 2006 Colonel MacMillan was appointed to the Senate by the Jamaica Labour Party as an opposition senator. From May 2008 to April 2009, he served alongside me in the Senate as a government senator and in the Cabinet as Minister of National Security.
During this time he was extremely supportive of my efforts. He contributed to and supported the Protected Disclosures (Whistbleblower) Act, the Independent Commission of Investigations Act - where he sat on the joint select committee; and the Special Prosecutors Act which embody values that Colonel MacMillan championed his entire life – discipline, accountability, integrity and honesty in the public service and the constabulary force.
He also was instrumented in drafting The Report of the National Committee on Crime in 2002 and in 2006 led the Special Task Force on Crime in drafting The Road Map to a Safe and Secure Jamaica. Many of the recommendations are being pursued by the Government and my Ministry, and include the key suggestion to deepen the independence of the judiciary implemented by the creation of the Court Management Service (CMS). He also advocated for greater use of technology in the Jamaican courts and especially bemoaned that judgments were delayed while awaiting the reports which had to be written by long hand. Technological advancements have come to fruition in our implementation of Real Time Court Reporting.
Apart from his hard work professionally, he was a family man and enjoyed being a father and husband. He was always friendly and enjoyed socialising.
While he was prompt, disciplined and always on time, he never missed a party and could always be seen dancing and really enjoying himself. He knew how to have fun and when to have fun.
As I pay tribute to the life of Colonel MacMillan let us always remember his decades of service to the Government, the country, his community, friends and family.
As a country we are all deeply saddened by the loss of a committed citizen of Jamaica and we mourn with his family and loved ones; but we are comforted in the knowledge that as he lived so has he died - peacefully.
His memory and legacy will indeed continue to touch the lives of all those who knew and loved him.
I extend my sincere condolences to his wife Dr. Olivia MacMillan and his children Gary, Jeremy and Lori-Ann MacMillan in their loss and grief.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
$15.3 m contract signed for Justice Square Bridge
As part of the construction of Phase 1 of Justice Square, the Ministry of Justice today signed a contract valued at more than JMD$15.3 m for the construction of a pedestrian bridge that will connect the Supreme Court and the Old NCB Building - which is an expansion of the Supreme Court. The signing took place at the Ministry’s Head Office on Oxford Road.
The metal bridge that is to extend above Barry Street, in Downtown Kingston, will be constructed by Tankweld Limited. Construction of the bridge will begin immediately (off-site) and installation will be done within the next six months.
This project will be financed from the Ministry’s Capital A Budget for 2011/2012.
“We want to see Justice Square completed this fiscal year, and the construction of this bridge, in addition to the renovations now taking place, shows the Ministry’s and by extension the Government’s commitment to the completion of this project.
“The project is part of the Reform Policy Agenda of the Ministry to achieve fair and timely case resolution and improved access to justice by increasing the number of courtrooms and judges and the establishment of a sound court infrastructure,” said Justice Minister, Senator Dorothy Lightbourne.
Some three months ago (February 23, 2011), the Ministry signed a contract valued at JMD$399 m which initiated Phase 1 of the construction. Repair works began on both the Supreme Court and the Old NCB Building in April 2011.
The Old NCB Building will house four courtrooms, four Judges’ Chambers and two Chambers for the Masters in Chambers of the Supreme Court. The building will also house the Supreme Court Civil registry, the registry for matrimonial matters, holding areas, two witnesses’ rooms, a police post, and support areas for the full staff complement.
Similarly, the Supreme Court renovations will result in the addition of three courtrooms, three Judges’ Chambers and one Chamber for the Masters in Chambers, well as a jury deliberation room.
Following the signing of the contract, Sen. Lightbourne reiterated that Justice Square is an important investment for Jamaica as it is necessary to bring about the requisite improvements in the justice system, despite the challenging economic times the country continues to face.
The metal bridge that is to extend above Barry Street, in Downtown Kingston, will be constructed by Tankweld Limited. Construction of the bridge will begin immediately (off-site) and installation will be done within the next six months.
This project will be financed from the Ministry’s Capital A Budget for 2011/2012.
“We want to see Justice Square completed this fiscal year, and the construction of this bridge, in addition to the renovations now taking place, shows the Ministry’s and by extension the Government’s commitment to the completion of this project.
“The project is part of the Reform Policy Agenda of the Ministry to achieve fair and timely case resolution and improved access to justice by increasing the number of courtrooms and judges and the establishment of a sound court infrastructure,” said Justice Minister, Senator Dorothy Lightbourne.
Some three months ago (February 23, 2011), the Ministry signed a contract valued at JMD$399 m which initiated Phase 1 of the construction. Repair works began on both the Supreme Court and the Old NCB Building in April 2011.
The Old NCB Building will house four courtrooms, four Judges’ Chambers and two Chambers for the Masters in Chambers of the Supreme Court. The building will also house the Supreme Court Civil registry, the registry for matrimonial matters, holding areas, two witnesses’ rooms, a police post, and support areas for the full staff complement.
Similarly, the Supreme Court renovations will result in the addition of three courtrooms, three Judges’ Chambers and one Chamber for the Masters in Chambers, well as a jury deliberation room.
Following the signing of the contract, Sen. Lightbourne reiterated that Justice Square is an important investment for Jamaica as it is necessary to bring about the requisite improvements in the justice system, despite the challenging economic times the country continues to face.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
$40 m paid to legal aid lawyers
April 19, 2011 - In a bid to clear the arrears owed to lawyers who provide legal aid services in criminal justice system, the Ministry of Justice has paid over a total of $41,123,500.00.
The payments were made in three parts between the months of December 2010 and April 2011.
1. December 22, 2010 - $8,111,000.00
2. February 11, 2011 - $4,962,500.00
3. March 31, 2011 - $28,050,000.00
Executive Director of the Legal Aid Council, Mr. Hugh Faulkner, expressed gratitude to the attorneys on the panel for their contribution to the Legal Aid Scheme and asked for their continued support.
“I am greatful that the government has responded positively to the financial requirements of the Legal Aid Council and in the same breath, I express my gratitude to the lawyers who tirelessly work on behalf of accused persons and suspects in the criminal justice system,” Mr. Faulkner said.
Minister of Justice, Senator Dorothy Lightbourne, who also expressed gratitude said although the Ministry is strapped for cash, the attorneys are very important to the delivery of justice to persons in the criminal justice system who are unable to afford representation.
“I thank the attorneys for their patience and invaluable contribution to the delivery of justice in Jamaica. The Ministry of Justice will continue to work with the Ministry of Finance and Public Service to make further payments,” Sen. Lightbourne said.
The payments were made in three parts between the months of December 2010 and April 2011.
1. December 22, 2010 - $8,111,000.00
2. February 11, 2011 - $4,962,500.00
3. March 31, 2011 - $28,050,000.00
Executive Director of the Legal Aid Council, Mr. Hugh Faulkner, expressed gratitude to the attorneys on the panel for their contribution to the Legal Aid Scheme and asked for their continued support.
“I am greatful that the government has responded positively to the financial requirements of the Legal Aid Council and in the same breath, I express my gratitude to the lawyers who tirelessly work on behalf of accused persons and suspects in the criminal justice system,” Mr. Faulkner said.
Minister of Justice, Senator Dorothy Lightbourne, who also expressed gratitude said although the Ministry is strapped for cash, the attorneys are very important to the delivery of justice to persons in the criminal justice system who are unable to afford representation.
“I thank the attorneys for their patience and invaluable contribution to the delivery of justice in Jamaica. The Ministry of Justice will continue to work with the Ministry of Finance and Public Service to make further payments,” Sen. Lightbourne said.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Request for Extradition of Tony Ashman
The Minister of Justice categorically denies that the non-signing of the authority to proceed - in the case of Tony Ashman - is a result of any dispute between the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The British authorities requested the Jamaican authorities to issue a provisional warrant for the arrest of Ashman - pending the submission of authenticated documents for his extradition.
The warrant was issued by the Resident Magistrate and Ashman was arrested and taken before the courts where he consented to be returned to Britain, but no authority to proceed had been issued or could have been issued by the Minister because the authenticated documents had not been sent - as is required by the Extradition Act.
The Minister then requested the British authorities to send her the authenticated documents expeditiously, to enable her to issue the authority to proceed.
The British authorities promised to send the authenticated documents as soon as possible, but have not yet done so; consequently the Minster is not in a position to issue the authority to proceed.
Please note, the fact that Mr. Ashman has been released does not preclude further proceedings for his extradition.
The Minister is prepared to sign the authority to proceed, as soon as she receives the authenticated documents from the British authorities and provided that they satisfy the requirements of the Extradition Act.
The British authorities requested the Jamaican authorities to issue a provisional warrant for the arrest of Ashman - pending the submission of authenticated documents for his extradition.
The warrant was issued by the Resident Magistrate and Ashman was arrested and taken before the courts where he consented to be returned to Britain, but no authority to proceed had been issued or could have been issued by the Minister because the authenticated documents had not been sent - as is required by the Extradition Act.
The Minister then requested the British authorities to send her the authenticated documents expeditiously, to enable her to issue the authority to proceed.
The British authorities promised to send the authenticated documents as soon as possible, but have not yet done so; consequently the Minster is not in a position to issue the authority to proceed.
Please note, the fact that Mr. Ashman has been released does not preclude further proceedings for his extradition.
The Minister is prepared to sign the authority to proceed, as soon as she receives the authenticated documents from the British authorities and provided that they satisfy the requirements of the Extradition Act.
Monday, March 28, 2011
$45 m contract for St Thomas court facility signed
The Ministry of Justice, this morning, signed a contract valued at JMD$45 m for the construction of an interim court facility which will be located on Church Street in Morant Bay on lands donated the National Works Agency (NWA).
Construction is slated to begin on 11th of April 2011 and the expected construction period will be approximately four months. The contract was awarded to Mustang Construction and Engineering Company Limited.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Robert Rainford said the Ministry has submitted - in its budget for the 2011-2012 to the Ministry of Finance and Public Service - a request for the funding in the amount of $870 m for the St Thomas Parish Complex which will be constructed in the near future.
Construction is slated to begin on 11th of April 2011 and the expected construction period will be approximately four months. The contract was awarded to Mustang Construction and Engineering Company Limited.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Robert Rainford said the Ministry has submitted - in its budget for the 2011-2012 to the Ministry of Finance and Public Service - a request for the funding in the amount of $870 m for the St Thomas Parish Complex which will be constructed in the near future.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
$399 m Justice Square contract signed
February 24, 2011 – The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Senator Dorothy Lightbourne yesterday signed a contract valued at $JMD399 m that will initiate the construction of Phase One of Justice Square.
The contract was signed at the Ministry’s head office on Oxford Road in the presence of officials from the Ministry and the contractors who were awarded the contract, MLO Construction.
The project, in totality, will cost $399,962,371.54 and the construction period is expected to last approximately 13 months.
National Court Implementation Committee (NCIC)
In 2009, the Minister of Justice invited Ferris Ziadie, businessman, to chair the National Court Implementation Committee (NCIC), the objectives of which are to modernize and improve the court facilities island wide, starting with Justice Square. The Committee was directed to expand the physical facilities of the Supreme Court and as such negotiated the acquisition of the Old NCB Building which will facilitate the expansion of the Supreme Court.
Justice Square
In that same year, the Ministry of Justice announced the acquisition of the Old NCB Building on King Street to facilitate the creation of Justice Square. The acquisition, which cost the Ministry approximately JMD$128 m, included land, building, fixtures, a standby generator and a parking lot located on Church Street.
This ambitious and necessary construction project –Justice Square – will include extensive renovation of the Old NCB Building; and the refurbishing of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
At this point, the Ministry is one step closer to making Justice Square a reality following Cabinet approval of the project on 13th of December 2010.
Presently, there are 12 court rooms in the existing Supreme Court building and the construction and renovation of both the Old NCB Building and The Supreme Court will increase this number to 19.
The artist impression of Justice Square depicts a state of the art building with modern facilities, unlike any of the existing facilities in the justice system.
The creation of Justice Square, Minister Lightbourne said will significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Jamaican justice system, for the benefit of all our citizens. Further, the establishment of this facility will address a myriad of concerns voiced repeatedly by Jamaicans, two of which are the backlog of cases and inadequate court room space.
“One of the Ministry’s priority projects for this fiscal year is the start of the construction and renovation works at Justice Square, which includes interior construction works on the Old NCB Building at 52-54 King Street and the extension and refurbishing of the Supreme Court Building in order to increase the number of court rooms and Judges’ Chambers to meet the high demand for space”, the Minister added.
The total floor area of new renovation works to both buildings is more than 5,200 square metres. (The Old NCB Building 4,373.98 and the Supreme Court 904 square metres)
The works that will be done on the Old NCB Building include the demolition of internal components, the carting away of debris and new renovation works and alterations of the existing basement, the ground floor, first floor and sky bridge entry to the second level. Extensive alterations to, and the addition of new mechanical and electrical, engineering systems and external works will also be carried out.
This building (Old NCB), will house four courtrooms, four Judges’ Chambers and two Chambers for the Masters of the Supreme Court. The building will also house the High Court Civil registry, the registry for matrimonial matters, holding areas, two witnesses’ rooms, police posts, and support areas for the full staff compliment.
For the Supreme Court, the works will entail demolition of some internal components as well as new renovation works and alterations of the existing ground floor and third floors in addition to mechanical and electrical engineering services to the renovated areas.
The renovations will result in modification to five courtrooms, the addition of three criminal courtrooms, three Judges’ Chambers as well as a jury deliberation room to name a few of the critical improvements.
The contract was signed at the Ministry’s head office on Oxford Road in the presence of officials from the Ministry and the contractors who were awarded the contract, MLO Construction.
The project, in totality, will cost $399,962,371.54 and the construction period is expected to last approximately 13 months.
National Court Implementation Committee (NCIC)
In 2009, the Minister of Justice invited Ferris Ziadie, businessman, to chair the National Court Implementation Committee (NCIC), the objectives of which are to modernize and improve the court facilities island wide, starting with Justice Square. The Committee was directed to expand the physical facilities of the Supreme Court and as such negotiated the acquisition of the Old NCB Building which will facilitate the expansion of the Supreme Court.
Justice Square
In that same year, the Ministry of Justice announced the acquisition of the Old NCB Building on King Street to facilitate the creation of Justice Square. The acquisition, which cost the Ministry approximately JMD$128 m, included land, building, fixtures, a standby generator and a parking lot located on Church Street.
This ambitious and necessary construction project –Justice Square – will include extensive renovation of the Old NCB Building; and the refurbishing of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
At this point, the Ministry is one step closer to making Justice Square a reality following Cabinet approval of the project on 13th of December 2010.
Presently, there are 12 court rooms in the existing Supreme Court building and the construction and renovation of both the Old NCB Building and The Supreme Court will increase this number to 19.
The artist impression of Justice Square depicts a state of the art building with modern facilities, unlike any of the existing facilities in the justice system.
The creation of Justice Square, Minister Lightbourne said will significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Jamaican justice system, for the benefit of all our citizens. Further, the establishment of this facility will address a myriad of concerns voiced repeatedly by Jamaicans, two of which are the backlog of cases and inadequate court room space.
“One of the Ministry’s priority projects for this fiscal year is the start of the construction and renovation works at Justice Square, which includes interior construction works on the Old NCB Building at 52-54 King Street and the extension and refurbishing of the Supreme Court Building in order to increase the number of court rooms and Judges’ Chambers to meet the high demand for space”, the Minister added.
The total floor area of new renovation works to both buildings is more than 5,200 square metres. (The Old NCB Building 4,373.98 and the Supreme Court 904 square metres)
The works that will be done on the Old NCB Building include the demolition of internal components, the carting away of debris and new renovation works and alterations of the existing basement, the ground floor, first floor and sky bridge entry to the second level. Extensive alterations to, and the addition of new mechanical and electrical, engineering systems and external works will also be carried out.
This building (Old NCB), will house four courtrooms, four Judges’ Chambers and two Chambers for the Masters of the Supreme Court. The building will also house the High Court Civil registry, the registry for matrimonial matters, holding areas, two witnesses’ rooms, police posts, and support areas for the full staff compliment.
For the Supreme Court, the works will entail demolition of some internal components as well as new renovation works and alterations of the existing ground floor and third floors in addition to mechanical and electrical engineering services to the renovated areas.
The renovations will result in modification to five courtrooms, the addition of three criminal courtrooms, three Judges’ Chambers as well as a jury deliberation room to name a few of the critical improvements.
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