SPANISH TOWN, St. Catherine:

The shortage of Resident Magistrates in St. Catherine was felt yesterday as there was no RM at the Linstead Resident Magistrate's Court, preventing it from hearing new cases.

From early in the morning, several persons, including accused, complainants, lawyers, the police, persons standing as sureties, waited outside the court's office. They were later told that the RM who was to appear was sick.

"This is foolishness, and the Minister of Justice has to address the problem now as it is quite frustrating for us as residents and it is not the first time," said one bystander.

For several months now, lawyers have expressed concern about the shortage of Resident Magistrates in St. Catherine.

The five RMs in the parish have to attend court in Linstead, Old Harbour and also man the three RM courts in Spanish Town.