LUCEA, Hanover — Ground was broken for the construction of the new Lucea Family Court here last week by Minister of Justice, Senator Dorothy Lightbourne, and head of delegation for the European Union (EU) to Jamaica, Ambassador Marco Mazzocchi Alemanni.

The construction of the new court –scheduled to be completed in seven months–is being funded by the EU at a cost of $87.5 million, and has the overall objective of increasing access to the justice system.

Hanover has been without an official Family Courthouse for more than a decade since the previous structure was deemed unfit. Family Court cases are being currently tried at the Lucea Resident Magistrate’s Court.

The facility will include two courtrooms, a holding area, a children’s play area, two judges’ chambers, court offices and attendant facilities consistent with international best practices.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Dorothy Lightbourne thanked the EU for the funding of the project; as well as the Planning Institute of Jamaica for its facilitating role.

“I say thank you to the European Union, through its poverty reduction Programme 11, for making this day a reality, by its 700 Euros to construct this facility and to assist to furnish and equip it, such as, with a standby generator, furniture for the courtrooms and judges’ chambers, and wiring for Internet connectivity and real-time court reporting,” she said.

Ambassador Alemanni said the $87.5 mnillion donation was a part of the EU’s $1.33 billion programme which aims to reduce poverty through growth with an emphasis on the promotion of community safety and crime reduction.