Courthouse in crisis
published: Tuesday | October 28, 2003

THE EDITOR, Sir:

AS I write this the sounds of thunder can be heard in the distance and even though the farmers of South Manchester and South St. Elizabeth need the rain for their crops I am praying that the Almighty will hold up the showers a little to aid the Judge and Resident Magistrate, the Jurors and witnesses and Attorneys-at-Law who have to be working in what passes for a Court House in Mandeville.

One week ago when there was a good shower of rain the court house staff with the help of the hardworking police (there are some honest and hardworking ones) had to resort to the use of black scandal bags and masking tape to cover the gaping hole in the window behind the Judge who is presiding over the current session of the Manchester Circuit Court.

I understand that a new Court House is to be built but the condition of the present one has reached crisis proportions. Externally the roof is falling apart and may fall apart and land on someone any day now. Emergency repairs are needed now.

I am, etc.,

VELMA L. HYLTON

P.O. Box 36

Spur Tree P.O.

Manchester