Stakeholders renew call for Manchester Parish Court to be relocated

 

Members of the judiciary and other stakeholders are renewing the call for the Manchester Parish Court to be relocated from its cramped quarters at the James Warehouse complex. 

 

The issue was again raised at a ceremony to mark the inaugural Judiciary Day on Wednesday, that was observed at all courts across the island to among other things celebrate the milestones of the Jamaican judiciary. 

 

Senior Parish Court Judge Michele Salmon highlighted the significant improvements that have been made in the court system to meet the growing needs of Manchester residents. 

 

But Justice Brooks said the court is faced with deficiencies such as inadequate parking at the James Warehouse complex. 

 

"The James Warehouse plaza cannot hold. There is insufficient parking and therefore we cannot house everything there. So we have taken the court to the people. We have taken our court's offices to the people. So if it is the first time you are hearing it now, I'd would like for you to spread the message that you can deal with your matters within the office side at the police stations, at the outstations," she outlined. 

 

The Mandeville courthouse was destroyed by fire in 2019 and there was a plan to construct a state-of-the-art complex in Kingsland, three miles outside of Mandeville. But that plan was shelved.

 

President of the Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica Manchester Chapter, Dr. Wendy Freckleton, wants the Minister of Justice to revisit the plan.

 

"A few years ago, 40 acres of land was pledged by Alpart to host a proper Justice Centre. And I call really on the Minister of Justice to consider using that space where we can have a proper solution to this problem," Dr. Freckleton urged.

 

The Ministry of Justice has reportedly identified another site along Bremalia Road. But this has been rejected by Ms. Freckleton and Chairman of the Manchester Municipal Corporation, Donovan Mitchell, as the court would be situated in a residential area.