-
by pltm
(PLTM) - Inmates on remand will have their trials heard from within Her Majesty’s Prison at Balsam Ghut, as government makes use of the Audio Visual Link Act 2017.
Governor Gus Jaspert, in his update on the progress and future plans for the judiciary, said that the defendants will not have to leave the prison to attend court proceedings.
“This is a welcome innovation in the Territory’s judicial system and will ensure a more efficient handling of criminal matters in both the Magistrate’s Court and the High Court. A further update will be given on the commencement of this process,” he said.
The High Court, Magistrate’s Court and Commercial Court sustained extensive damage following Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Governor Jaspert stated that the Magistrate’s Court commenced hearings for arrest matters on September 22nd, 2017 at the Road Town Police Station. Two additional venues have now been declared as Magistrate’s Courts – the Ritter and Quastisky Buildings; and this Monday, 19th February, the first Magistrate’s Court hearing for traffic, civil and quasi matters will commence.
He said that the United Kingdom Government is funding the construction of a temporary Magistrate’s Courtroom which, once complete, will be used whilst extensive reconstruction of the Magistrate’s Court at John’s Hole is undertaken.
“This will be funded through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Rapid Recovery loan.”
He explained that to address the more immediate needs of re-establishing the Criminal Court, the House of Assembly has graciously agreed to share their Chambers so that the Magistrate’s Court can resume on February 20 to hear criminal matters.
Meanwhile, speaking about Virgin Gorda, Governor Jaspert said that they have sought to identify a suitable place to resume their Magistrate’s Court sittings.
“But while we await the renovations to the Administration Building through the CDB loan, I appreciate the continued patience of our Virgin Gorda residents, who have matters before the courts.”
He said that in the interim, the Magistrate’s Court will seek to hear matters on Tortola for Virgin Gorda residents who are currently on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison.
-----
Copyright 2023 by Virgin Islands Platinum News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
