KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The relocation of the Ministry of Justice to premises at 61 Constant Spring Road should be completed by the end of July.

All the units and divisions of the ministry will be accommodated at the new property, including those located downtown Kingston.

Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Carol Palmer, said that most of the offices have already moved, while refurbishing work continues to accommodate the others.

She informed that the public service division, which provides legal aid, is still housed at 72 Harbour Street, downtown Kingston, and will probably be the last office to relocate.

Palmer outlined that the work remaining includes the retrofitting of the main building, while the southern block, which will accommodate the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, is far advanced.

Space is being prepared for staff services including a canteen, a day care facility for children, and a wellness centre.

“Chronic disease is a problem in Jamaica, so we are going to be on our way to making a meaningful contribution in our own welfare,” Palmer said.

The permanent secretary assured that the quality of the services provided by the ministry will not be compromised due to the relocation process underway.

“We cannot compromise the justice services. Regardless of how inconvenient the arrangements are for us, we have to treat the public properly,” she said.

She added that the staff has been very cooperative throughout the process.

The Oxford Road offices of the ministry were ordered closed earlier this year due to air quality issues and the effect on the health of the staff.

A sum of $100 million was approved by Cabinet for the relocation.