Clive Munroe Jr. - file photo
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Attorney-at-law Clive Munroe Jr., speaking Sunday on That's a Rap
Radio Jamaica News has been informed that a suspect has been arrested in connection with yesterday's break-in and fire at the St Catherine Parish Court's administrative office.
He was picked up Sunday evening during an operation in Rivoli, Spanish Town, St. Catherine.
The police also seized $500,000, believed to have been stolen from the courthouse.
Two units were dispatched to extinguish the fire which started around 7:30 am.
Following cooling down operations, it was discovered that several desk drawers and filing cabinets were opened and the office was ransacked.
Public Relations Officer for the Jamaica Fire Brigade Emelio Ebanks revealed that the damage amount to millions of dollars.
It was the second fire at the courthouse in less than two months.
Office closure
In the wake of the fire, the St. Catherine Parish Court's administrative office will be closed until further notice.
Chief Judge of the Parish Courts Chester Crooks confirmed that because of the damage, full operations of the main court and its out-stations in Linstead, Old Harbour and Portmore will be affected in the short term.
In a news release Sunday night, Judge Crooks said access to the court's office will be scaled-down until further notice, but matters previously scheduled for the Parish Court and its outstations will still be heard.
Members of the public who have cases listed for Monday should still attend court in order to be advised of the new dates.
Security
Meanwhile, there is mounting concern about security at the St. Catherine Parish Court following Sunday's fire.
Attorney-at-law Clive Munroe Jr., responding to news of the fire, said the authorities need to place greater emphasis on protecting court records, "because without the records then we can't have the processes that give rise and disposal to the rights of citizens to be heard within a fair time (and) for other forms of business and commerce to take place..."
Mr Munroe, speaking on Radio Jamaica's That's a Rap, said the fire should serve as "a timely reminder that the digitization of the court system remains ongoing but should perhaps move at a faster pace."
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