Members of the public were reportedly caught off guard yesterday when they arrived at the St. John’s Magistrates Court to find a notice that informed them the court has been closed, temporarily.
One woman complained that upon arriving at the court to check on the status of her child support payments and other legal matters, she was outraged because she had not received prior notification that the court would be closed.
OBSERVER media was informed that some staff members claimed they had not been notified of the closure in a timely manner.
However, the public and staff were not the only ones who had been left in the dark.
“To be honest, we were not aware that they were closed today,” Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works Clarence Pilgrim told OBSERVER media. “That’s something we will have to liaise with them that we can see how best the Ministry of Works can assist with their effort.”
The St. John’s Magistrates Court is closed to the public this week to facilitate a temporary move to the sporting complex at Knuckle Block in Grays Farm, while repairs are being made to the building on High Street.
The Knuckle Block building will accommodate two courtrooms and holding cells on the roof.
It will also include new offices, storage space, plus male and female bathrooms. The facility will be fenced for security purposes.
According to Pilgrim, “There’s still a lot to be done, but once the facility is completed, staff and prisoners will be in a better environment.”