Magistrate’s Court commences social distancing practises

In light of the Novel Coronavirus pandemic, the Magistrate’s Court has commenced social distancing practices at its John’s Hole facility.

The court began the practices sometime after lunch on Thursday, March 19. These practices include placing a limited number of seats for court clerks, attorneys at the Bar table, as well as persons seated in the public gallery.

The Bar table, which is the designated area for attorneys, typically seats roughly five attorneys. This number has now been reduced to three.

There are usually three chairs allowed to court clerks who are located below the magistrate’s bench but that figure now stands at two. All but four of the 12 chairs that were previously available to members of the public were also packed away in a corner of the courtroom.

Similarly, chairs in the seating area located immediately outside of the courtroom were also reduced and left for persons who had matters before the court.

Official announcement on local courts coming soon

In the meantime, Deputy Governor David Archer, Jr said the way forward as it relates to court facilities will be announced soon.

“It’s an ever-moving target of what needs to be done but know that we have an organisation, know that we have a Cabinet that that is willing and able and eager to do what is best in the country’s interest. But, in this particular case, in the public service’s interest to ensure that we put the right things in place,” the Deputy Governor said during a live announced via social media on Thursday.

He continued: “Today, for example, we are discussing with Cabinet, the situations, how we handle the courts. The public can expect to hear of that later on today for first thing in the morning. But, we will do everything possible to ensure that we are on top of information and we look out for the health and safety of the public officers.”