fp Turks and Caicos

The Chief Magistrate’s Court on Providenciales has been relocated to the second floor of the Graceway IGA office complex to provide better working conditions and improved security for staff and other court users, the government announced Aug. 24.

“It was good that we were able to get this ideal location which will benefit all court users,” said Chief Justice Gordon Ward said.

“We were keen to have a place that was close to the main road, and this site has lots of vehicle parking space. There is also more space for staff to operate and for members of the public.”

The former court building became unsuitable after roof leaks created a build up of mould in the building, posing health problems to staff. Roof repairs will be carried out in the coming months.

The new location, chosen without competitive bids, was selected from among a number of sites viewed and evaluated by the Ministry of Housing, Works and Utilities and the Department of Engineering and Maintenance Services (EMS). The evaluation team found the other sites either did not meet the requirements for a magistrates court or were not affordable.

The new court building is constructed to current hurricane standards and offers improved security with full-time closed circuit television.

“I must applaud the EMS for their efficient work,” the chief justice said. “We experienced very little disruption to the conduct of the court, and that meant we were able to avoid undue delays.”

The IGA office complex is owned and operated by K H Capital Ltd.