By Latrishka Thomas
The echoes of legal arguments, absent for half a decade, as of today, will resound through the halls at the newly-reopened St John’s Magistrates’ Court on High Street.
Following an official reopening ceremony yesterday, the building will now serve as the central venue for both the District A St John’s, and District B All Saints Courts, commencing operations immediately.
Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin speaking at the ceremony said that this consolidation realizes a long-standing vision for centralizing the Magistrates’ Courts to enhance access to justice.
Benjamin expressed his elation, stating, “It was my desire to make it so that all the Courts were centralized in this building today. Today, what a day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Today, we have, therefore, the Courts are now centralized here. One vision, one dream accomplished. I’m very proud of this moment that the Lord guided me in this fight.”
Parliament passed legislation yesterday enabling all cases to be heard at the St John’s Magistrates’ Court, regardless of where the offence is committed.
The reopened Court now features four modernized courtrooms, offices, and improved bathroom facilities.
Acting Chief Magistrate Dexter Wason emphasized the importance of these improvements, saying, “The Magistrate’s Courts have always been a vital pillar of our community, a place where justice is not only administered, but where fairness and equity are upheld for all.”
Wason further elaborated on the role of the Court beyond legal proceedings, describing it as “a forum where citizens come to seek redress, find solutions, and resolve conflicts. It is a space for dialogue and reconciliation, fostering trust and confidence in the judicial system.
“The improvements made to this building are not simply cosmetic,” Wason explained. “They are intended to enhance the comfort, efficiency, and overall functioning of the Court.”
The reopening ceremony was attended by legal professionals, including lawyers, Court staff, and other officials.
Also present were the five magistrates: Acting Chief Magistrate Dexter Wason, Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, Magistrate Veronica Thomas of the Family Court, and Magistrates Conliffe Clarke and Dane Hamilton Jr.
Benjamin confirmed the promotion of Magistrate Emanuel to Senior Magistrate and hinted at potential further changes within the Magistracy.
“I am pleased that I had something to do with your appointment. And if all goes well, I am pleased that things will come. I say no more at this time,” he said.
The reopening of the St John’s Magistrates’ Court at its original location is the end of a five-year period during which the Court operated from a community centre.
The use of the temporary relocation, which began in 2019 due to the state of disrepair of the original building, had prevented local residents from using the centre for its intended purpose as a village hub and sports complex.
The community centre, a gift from the government and people of China, was originally designed to provide young people with constructive alternatives to drug use, crime, and other forms of unproductive and antisocial behaviour.
With the Court’s return to High Street, the centre can now fulfil its original community-oriented mission.
