Minister for legal affairs Hon. Kindra Maturine Stewart has responded to concerns by the bar association, that the Clico building may not be ready for court use by the new law year.
In a press briefing on Friday, the Minister confirmed both the 2nd and 3rd floors of the building on Young Street are now in government’s possession and a contract for retrofitting valued for over eight hundred thousand dollars was awarded.
The minister says although work is presently ongoing, some preparatory measures were necessary.
“Prior to the commencement of the works, we at the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Ministry of Works have engaged Mechanical Contractors to assess the air conditioning systems and the elevators. We have also carried out the requisite environmental testing, to ensure that the spaces are environmentally sound and clear of mold and other issues. We have taken great precaution to ensure we do not experience the some of the problems that we experienced at the LIME building” Minister Stewart explained.
The Legal Affairs Minister further added that the Clico facilities will also accommodate two criminal courts and as such it was necessary to ensure security and other measures were in place.
Mrs. Maturine Stewart reaffirmed her commitment to working with the bar and other stakeholders towards finalizing the facilities by the September deadline.
“The issue with the Court is a very serious issue and its an issue that affects all of us. It is an issue that has been around for a very very long time and we have worked and will continue to work with the Bar, with the judges and all concerned to solve this matter and other related matters. I’ve spoken with the CTO in the Ministry of Works just this morning and I was advised that so far we are on schedule to meet the September deadline. Of course should there be any change, I will make same public.”
Grenada Bar Association last week said they were pursuing legal action to get the courts facility ready, as the legal system was in a crisis.
