KINGSTON, Jamaica — Chief Justice Bryan Sykes has commended court staff and managers across several parishes for their resilience and commitment to restoring operations following the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking during a visit to the Santa Cruz courthouse in St Elizabeth and having been to St James, Trelawny and Hanover, which was left severely damaged by the storm, Justice Sykes described the scene as “distressing” but said he was deeply moved by the dedication of court personnel who continue to show up for duty despite personal losses.

“What I am partially pleased about is that in all the parishes, the senior judges and the court operations managers have stepped up to the plate as leaders, which is what we expect of them,” he said. “They have been planning how to restart the services. It shows you the value of planning and risk mitigation.”

The chief justice noted that in parishes such as Hanover and St James, court staff have been working to clean up courtyards and prepare to reopen their facilities. However, in St Elizabeth, the destruction was so extensive that “there’s nowhere to clean up”, he said.

“Some have lost roofs, some have lost houses, and yet they are still willing to come to work. So what we have to do now is work with them and give them the support they need,” Sykes added, calling for all stakeholders to collaborate on the best path forward for the justice system’s recovery.

Justice Sykes said his recent visits to the affected courts have reinforced the importance of leadership training and disaster preparedness within the judiciary, as staff continue to embody courage and service even under the most difficult circumstances.

He will visit the Westmoreland Parish Court next.