The Tribune

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

GROUND was broken yesterday for a new 19-court judicial complex off Shirley Street, a project officials say will modernise the country’s court system and expand its capacity.

The 342,000-square-foot facility will rise seven to eight storeys and include multiple hearing rooms, two appeal courts and a remand centre capable of holding up to 24 people.

The development required the demolition of the abandoned Rodney E Bain building.

Chief Justice Ian Winder said the current court campus is “ill-suited” to meet the country’s needs over the next 50 years.

“We need a modern court facility outfitted with adequate technology and facilities to support the type of staff which are now required for the judiciary. Our physical plant has not kept pace with the growth of the bench, the increased size of the bar, the workload of the court and the security threats, which were not envisioned when these buildings were first commissioned,” he said.

He noted that while the judiciary is structured to include 25 judges plus the chief justice, existing space constraints make that difficult to achieve.

Attorney General Ryan Pinder said the new complex will address longstanding deficiencies, including the separation of inmates from judges and improved security.

“On the criminal side, best practices of the court complexes ensure that inmates are going to be segregated from the judges,” he said. “That interaction is limited and there are suitable holding facilities. Of note, this does not happen in today's court infrastructure.”

He said the facility will include holding stations, meal preparation areas, CCTV monitoring, jury rooms, exhibit rooms and a multi-level parking garage.

The complex will also house judges’ chambers, registrar offices and a multi-purpose convention and theatre suite.

Architect Michael Foster said the design includes 19 courtrooms, with nine designated for criminal matters and eight for civil cases, along with six hearing rooms and two appeal courts. He said there is also potential for future expansion.

Mr Foster added that additional properties along Charlotte Street, including the Jacaranda site, could be acquired to secure the full block bounded by Charlotte, Parliament, Shirley and East Hill streets.

Prime Minister Philip Davis said the project reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law.

“This is a major step forward that many within the legal and judiciary worlds have advocated for over the years, the voices did not fall on deaf ears,” he said. “I dare say, many years ago, my voice was loaned to that chorus that spoke about the state of our judiciary and our legal worlds. We heard you, and this complex, when it is completed, will be a product of the government's commitment to reform combined with your persistence and your advocacy.”

Mr Davis also pointed to broader efforts to strengthen law enforcement, including the hiring of 787 police officers, 379 correctional officers and more than 300 immigration officers.

The Supreme Court of The Bahamas was established in 1896 under the Supreme Court Act. Its current Bank Lane complex, which houses four courts, dates back to 1921.