KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Court Administration Division (CAD) has relocated all St Catherine circuit court matters to Kingston due to damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking with JIS News, Director of Client Services, Communication and Information at the CAD, Kadiesh Jarrett-Fletcher, informed that the Rodney Memorial Building, which houses the court’s administrative operations, sustained major water damage.

“Water came in and the flooring has been compromised,” she said.

“Because of the risk of it [flooring] caving in, we have been advised by the technocrats that we cannot occupy that building. That meant that we had to move circuit from St Catherine,” she noted further.

Jarrett-Fletcher informed that adjustments have been made to accommodate the administrative staff.

“We had to suspend sittings of the lay magistrates to get that room to use for the administrative staff in order to facilitate the continuation of Parish Court matters,” she told JIS News.

Jarrett-Fletcher is appealing for understanding from members of the public as measures are put in place to ensure continuity of court operations.

“The staff of the courts, especially those in western Jamaica, suffered personal damage and personal loss. Some of our staff members lost everything in the hurricane. Some are leaving from shelters to come to work. Everything is not comfortable for them, but they are committed to providing justice services and so we’re asking for patience from members of our communities while we all seek to navigate this challenge that we are facing,” she said.

-JIS